What is the world coming to when residents have to be barricaded in their homes to keep out yobs?

People who moved into Hubble Close at Barton, Oxford, presumably did so because they liked the houses and the outlook.

But now after months of vandalism and other antisocial behaviour, a spiked fence almost 6ft high is to be installed to protect them.

It will stretch along the back of the estate, by a stream, public footpath and open space, where most of the yobbish conduct takes place.

The fence will block the fine views across fields and open country, which were no doubt one of the initial attractions of the development.

How sad that people cannot enjoy their homes and surroundings without being plagued by troublemakers.

It appears that the decision to have such a large portion of open space, with no barrier between private and public land, was a mistake.

We might also ask what the police are doing to bring to book those who are causing such misery to residents and expense to the council. A few Asbos and prosecutions might do the trick.