' We are prisoners in our own home' (From Barry And District News)

' We are prisoners in our own home'

A BARRY gay couple claim they have become victims of a series of vicious hate attacks by local youths.

Colcot residents Annette and Angela Gauder, who changed thier name by deed poll, say they are living like prisoners after stink bombs, water balloons, faeces, and even bricks have been thrown at their home.

Annette told the News: "We caught kids on camera throwing stones and eggs at our home.

Other people don't get this: they target us because we're not 'normal'."

The couple think the situation is worsened because their house is on a corner.

"Everybody else's back garden is enclosed, but kids can just clamber over our wall," Angela explained.

"They take our garden ornaments and break the plant pots. Our kids can't play outside because sticks and stones get thrown in from the road.

"We also don't have a gate for our drive, so they can just run in," she continued.

"The downstairs windows always have to be closed because they throw things through, and the front and back doors always have to be locked. We're prisoners in our own house."

Annette and Angela Gauder and their four children have been living at their Dorothy Avenue house since 1999.

If a wall that allows people to climb into their back garden was taken down and a gate put up, the family feel their situation would be greatly improved.

"A gentleman from the council came to assess our problem last July," the couple explained.

"He said they would take the wall down. We waited, then eight weeks ago we phoned them again, and someone else came. She also said they would take the wall down. It seems like they're not prepared to do anything because there's money involved"

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesperson said the council would take the wall down as soon as possible. "The council is in discussion with the tenants about the best way to take forward the issue," she said.