Ryedale family's plea for peace (From Gazette & Herald)

Ryedale family's plea for peace

A RYEDALE pensioner who claims her family has suffered harassment and verbal abuse for more than 25 years has appealed to be left alone.

Barbara Hampshire, who lives in Castlegate, in Malton, says years of abuse have left her nerves in tatters.

Her brother-in-law Richard Hampshire, a well-known as a local character in the town, has also been subject to abuse because of his unkempt appearance.

She claims the family's troubles stem from an incident in 1974 when Richard confronted some local louts and ended up being hospitalised.

"Since then we have suffered constant harassment and vilification," she said.

"People knock on our door, my husband's allotment has been vandalised and we get abuse in the street."

Though most of the harassment is directed at her brother-in-law, Mrs Hampshire and her husband Noel have also found themselves targets.

"Richard is homeless and lives in my husband's allotment but stays in our house on Castlegate when it gets cold," said Mrs Hampshire.

"Every day we have people or kids knocking or banging on our door and causing a nuisance.

"I have to avoid certain parts of town because I fear for my safety. Because I'm a pensioner now I feel even less safe.

"I never go out in the evening because I'm frightened of getting abuse.

"My husband has a heart condition and the last thing he needs is people causing us trouble.

"My nerves have been shaken by it and I have been given medication to help calm them but I shouldn't have to do that.

"We just want to be left in peace."

Closed circuit television cameras were installed near the family's home a few years ago giving them renewed hope of some peace.

"It has not made any difference because we still get hassled," she said.

"I thought as I got older it would all stop but it never has.

Mrs Hampshire has not reported any incidents to the police but Inspector Neil Burnett said: "We would be happy to consider any complaints of harassment and investigate where appropriate."

Updated: 09:32 Monday, April 22, 2002