Man's mental health care leaves residents in fear

One woman said people on the street did not "feel safe in their houses"

A group of residents said they are living in fear after a series of incidents involving a man thought to have mental health problems.

They said the man, who lives in a street in Northampton which the BBC is not naming, has been kicking cars and trying to get into people's houses.

The residents want compensation for the damage and the patient moved to more suitable accommodation.

Health officials said they would "consider alternative care options" if required.

People living on the street said the problems arising from the patient, who the BBC is calling David, had been going on for three years.

One woman who lives near David said his activities were "affecting the quality of my life every single day".

She added: "We don't feel safe in our house, constantly worried our property's going to get damaged, cars are going to get damaged."

The woman described an incident during which David ran "down my driveway, on his own, banging on my front door - I was alone in my house - trying to get into my house, and it took at least a couple of minutes for the carers to come and take him away".

She said she and her young children were disturbed by noises during the night, which were affecting their sleep, and she "can't cope with it any more".

Several cars on the same road have been damaged

Another resident who lives nearby remembered one particular incident: "I was happily doing my garden, I could hear all this banging and shouting, and then the next minute, he came running up to the house next to me and kicked in the side of the neighbour's car.

"We shouted at the carers to do something and they just stood there and let him carry on."

The residents said the damage to vehicles must run into thousands of pounds, and they would be making a claim for compensation, but no-one will take responsibility for the damage.

Rob said he was originally told David would be moved out of the house in two days

Another resident, Rob, contacted West Northamptonshire Council a month ago to find out when David would be moved to more suitable accommodation.

He said: "We were told two days, and then they came back and said that was a little bit optimistic, it might take one or two weeks, and there's still no sign of him being removed from the property."

Jaan Services is based on the eighth floor of Grosvenor House in Corby

David's house and carers are provided by Corby-based Jaan Services, who told the BBC: "We are sorry that we are unable to comment on this matter as part of our legal and ethical duty to protect the privacy and dignity of individuals.

"Whilst we cannot comment on specific allegations, please be assured that we actively monitor and address any issues that arise, working jointly with other agencies to ensure safety and wellbeing of individuals and their communities."

'Alternative care options'

Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board said: "Whilst we cannot comment on individual cases, we continuously work with providers to monitor the care being provided to our local population, working closely with health and care partners to ensure the right care is in place.

"Our aim is for our local population to have access to appropriate high-quality care in safe and supportive environments, and if it is required, we will consider alternative care options."

West Northamptonshire Council said: "We cannot discuss the individual circumstances of any vulnerable person under the care of partners and it would be inappropriate to comment on this.

"But we will continue to support the ICB to ensure that appropriate care and support is provided and any appropriate changes to the care provision are made by them in a way that meets the need of everyone involved."