A PENSIONER left beaten and bruised after being attacked by youngsters in Beaminster says he is being treated like a criminal by his landlords who now want to surround his property with a security fence.

Despite the September attack Peter Culver has said he will carry on reporting youngsters misbehaving in the Memorial Playing Fields behind his home.

His flat looks directly out on to the fields. He says the fence is 'putting him in a wooden box' and won't keep out the yobs.

Magna Housing Association says it is putting up a 6ft high fence around flats in Fleet Street for the security of tenants.

Area housing manager Stuart Martindale said: "We are aware that there have been problems with youngsters who have been gathering at the playing field located at the rear of Fleet Street. We have been in regular contact with Mr Culver and offered our support over his concerns."

Magna has also offered Mr Culver the chance of moving but he does not want to leave.

Mr Martindale added: "In instances such as this we may suggest that we could look for alternative accommodation. This option was discussed with Mr Culver, who advised us that he did not wish to move from his home and we fully respect his wishes.

"However, it is our responsibility to give consideration to the safety and security of all our tenants and our properties. Therefore, the decision was taken to erect a six foot-high fence around the edge of the flats in Fleet Street where they border the playing field, thus providing additional security for tenants living in all six flats.

"In addition we will be installing a CCTV camera that will help us detect any criminal behaviour."

The association says tenants are not expected to take an active role in dealing with community issues themselves.

Mr Martindale said: "We are grateful for any tenants who take on such an active and responsible role in the community as Mr Culver has. However, we must stress that we do not expect or ask for any of our tenants to do so.

"At present no tenants have asked to take the matter further and therefore we felt these measures to be necessary for everyone's peace of mind.

"We feel that we have listened to our tenant's concerns and have acted in his best interests."

Mr Culver said; "I have been dealt a blow by my landlords. Not only have I been beaten up by some yobs but my landlord is going to put me in a wooden box.

"I have told them I am not a criminal and will not be treated like one.

"I think Magna Housing Association is going against the law by doing this and wasting money."