A GREENOCK woman fears she may be forced to close her business because anti-social youths are making her life a misery.

Susan D’Orleans, who sells fabrics and carries out alterations from her shop in Lynedoch Street, is dismayed by youngsters who are deliberately attempting to damage her property.

The 50-year-old says the louts have also been verbally abusive towards her and she has reported the incidents to police.

She told the Tele: “This has got to stop as it’s a nice residential area that is being vandalised by a few bad people.

“If this continues I will have to consider shutting up shop, as I’m living in fear.

“The kids are giving me grief and it’s really getting out of control now.

“Businesses like mine are trying to make the area better so this is not appreciated.” Susan, who opened her shop, Susan Anne, after being left temporarily crippled and depressed after a serious accident, says two youths deliberately damaged plants outside her shop.

She said: “They were aged about 12 or 13 and picking at the topiary ball plants outside.

“Recently they’ve also been climbing onto my window ledge and jumping off.

“I feel so intimidated that I’ve started to lock my door, which I don’t want to do as I want people to come in.

“I’m so jumpy and constantly worried that they will come back.” Susan, who uses a walking stick after smashing her knees in a freak accident at work four years ago, hopes that the situation is quickly resolved.

She said: “It’s disappointing that this is happening as this is a great area and my neighbours are very supportive.

“The support from the local community has been wonderful.” Sergeant Allan O’Hare from Greenock police said: “We have a report that two youths were picking a plant outside the shop and when the woman confronted them they were abusive.

“We will certainly look into this incident.”