Flytipping, men urinating up walls, and condoms littering the streets are all part of daily life in High Town in Luton.
The tight-knit community is at breaking point after years of prostitution and the issues that come with it have blighted the area.
They say they are disillusioned with their ward councillors who they feel give the sex-workers “all the tea and sympathy” while they have to live in “hell”.
One resident who did not wish to be named said: “You wouldn’t believe what we’ve seen. I had no idea what this area was like when I moved here. We are poor, it’s not that easy to move again, and if we all move out what will happen? The prostitutes and pimps will take over.”
Parents say on the walk to school their children often point out used condoms and ask what they are, while prostitutes and men have sex in the bin chutes and bushes outside their houses.
They are begging for Wenlock Street car park to be closed at night and for the streets to be cleaned up.
One resident said: ”We will not have anything more to do with our councillors. There is total disregard for them because they say they are listening but they are not.”
Councillor Roxanna Whittaker works for Azalea, a Christian centre for vulnerable women based in High Town which in the last year has helped six local sex workers leave the industry.
Residents fear this work clashes with their needs.
Councillor Whittaker said: “I am continuing to work in partnership with the police, the council and other local partners to deal with this issue.
“Azalea does not in any way support prostitution, quite the opposite. I feel strongly that my work with the group complements my role as a local councillor in helping to improve the quality of life for everyone in High Town. I am in regular contact with many of the residents who are affected by anti-social behaviour, and would encourage any other residents who would like to raises this issue with me to contact me.”