THEY already have to put up with vandalism, antisocial behaviour, needles and condoms being left in the bushes and thefts.

And residents of one Southampton community believe a new public walkway near to their homes will only add to their woes.

They say the city council has let them down by forcing a developer to build the walkway next to new retirement flats, which will connect to an existing walkway outside their own homes.

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, the city council has approved plans by developer McCarthy and Stone to build 51 retirement flats next to the River Itchen at Cobden Avenue.

The residents of Riverdene Place, which sits next to the site of the development, say they have no problems with the new flats.

But they are furious that in granting permission the council added a condition that the developer must extend the public walkway outside their own homes to Cobden Bridge.

A council spokesman said the walkway was added as a condition as it is the authority’s policy to encourage access to the waterfront in the city.

Daily Echo: The former boatyard site alongside Bitterne Park Triange in Southampton

Residents in Riverdene Place told the Daily Echo the estate and public walkway are already targeted by vandals who have destroyed lights and other equipment, stolen bikes, destroyed boats and left condoms and drug needles near their homes.

And they say the new walkway which would connect Riverdene Place to Cobden Bridge will only increase the problem.

Resident Michelle Evans had one of her bicycles stolen.

She said: “We were really let down by the planning panel who first approved this [in August 2011]. They didn’t listen to any of our concerns and that makes me really angry.

“It makes you feel really vulnerable living here and knowing that someone can be just outside your home.”

Neighbour Beryl King said: “I haven’t got anyone because I lost my husband 18 months ago and this is really quite frightening.”

Daily Echo: Riverdene Place residents alongside the River Itchen in Bitterne Park

The planning panel was also addressed by Hampshire Constabulary’s former crime prevention design adviser Sarah Badham.

She had written to the council saying she did not support opening the public walkway due to the potential effect it could have on residents in Riverdene Place, and that the walkway should be for private use instead.

Mrs Evans said the group now wants the council to add additional safety measures, such as a gate which can be locked at night, and that they are talking to Southampton Itchen MP John Denham.

A council spokesman said: “The concerns of residents were listened to, fully considered and debated at length at the planning and rights of way panel meeting.

“The panel understood the concerns raised but felt that access to the waterfront was a benefit that should be sought.

“There are no plans to change the proposals. If problems occur then the council will work with the police and any other bodies to tackle them, and seek to address the concerns of the residents if they continue.”