It must be a major kick in the teeth. Not only has a plan to move forces’ families from run-down homes on a Carterton estate been delayed, but now squatters have moved in next door.

Picture the scene: you fly back from a war zone, only to find your neighbourhood looking like a bomb site – and now meet the neighbours.

The project, named Programme Future Brize, involves the demolition of 600 properties to make way for about 800 new family homes.

The Oxford Mail has visited families to see the mothballed state the streets have been left in. They say living among abandoned houses had led to a surge in crime and anti-social behaviour.

Last night Defence Estates, employed by the Ministry of Defence as landlords of the properties, admitted families should have moved out by April.

The appearance of squatters is only adding to the bad feeling, although there is nothing to suggest they have been responsible for any crime in the area.

The Oxford Mail met with one of the new residents, who was not exactly apologetic for the takeover.

The MoD has pledged to get rid of them as soon as possible.

We hope they do.

  • Elderly residents in sheltered housing are used to a daily visit from a warden to check they are okay.

Not for much longer.

The county council is planning to change to a mobile warden service and the number of visits will be individually assessed, as the authority needs to save money.

Pensioners are rightly disgusted.

It is perhaps difficult to put in perspective how important the service is, unless you have to use it.

We would urge the council to come up with a plan that will not leave pensioners feeling isolated.