Worried pensioners living within a stone's throw of Oxford United's new stadium are demanding double glazing before the venue is opened next year, writes Phil Clee.

They fear their bungalows in Spindleberry Close, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, will fall prey to vandalism and noise once games kick off at Minchery Farm next August.

But Oxford City Council has turned down their request backed by two petitions claiming it has insufficient cash to carry out the work.

The rebuff has angered the pensioners' champion, 69-year-old former Cowley car worker, Albert Adams, who believes he and his neighbours will suffer from crime and harassment from soccer supporters.

Mr Adams, who suffers from Parkinson's Disease, said: "We're all pensioners, and some are disabled, but they just don't want to know. They've got no feelings for us. It's just not on."

Mr Adams said he had been offered but had refused secondary double glazing after writing to the council about his fears.

He said: "I won't have that I've got to have it for everyone around here, not just for myself.

"Once the new ground is there they'll be coming off the buses in Pegasus Road and we'll have windows broken, break-ins and other problems.

"Why do we have to wait until someone gets hurt?"