Residents' fears as Asbo team may go

But the three officials could be forced to leave when their three year contracts expire at the end of next March.

Ms Gill said: 'I don't think I would have been able to do half of what I did without the support of the antisocial behaviour unit.

'We needed their support: knowing that we had back-up for everything we did with the housing association. I am not sure we would have got the tenant moved otherwise.'

Ms Cobbold stated: 'The estate is a much nicer place thanks to the unit's help. The unit has been of immense support to us and our community.

'Without the help and support that my family and I have continuously received from the antisocial behaviour team, and the help they have given to the wider community in the area, I am sure that even now the perpetrators would still be causing immense problems. To remove the unit will send the wrong message to those who have been helped. The unit should be kept and the officers put on permanent contracts so their positions are not constantly under review.'

The work of the antisocial behaviour team is linked to the area's crime and disorder reduction partnership. This is funded through a West Sussex-wide agreement which ends next March 31.

The government requires the agreement to be reviewed annually. Arun is looking with others in the partnership at the priorities from April 2008 onwards.

Cllr Roger Elkins, the council member in charge of community safety, said: 'The antisocial behaviour work undertaken by Arun's team is under review, but I want to reassure residents that it remains a top priority for the district council.

'The team works tremendously hard with our partners in this important area with increasing success over the past three years, which I am pleased to see recognised.'

Single parents Ms Cobbold (38) and Ms Gill (40) have lived a few doors from each other in Northcliffe Road for 12 years. Their problems began in March last year when a new tenant moved in the housing association properties.

They became subject to shouting, swearing and threats, including some death threats, when they walked down their road.

Other residents also suffered from the same intimidation.

Even the youngest of Ms Cobbold's four children, and Ms Gill, with two of her four children at home, had to endure the unacceptable behaviour of the other tenant's son.

The police and the property landlord, Southern Horizon Housing Association, became involved in trying to solve the problem.

But the harrassment worsened as the tenant became aware of the complaints.

Ms Cobbold said: 'Systemically, she proceeded to intimidate and harass us to the point where our lives were fast becoming unbearable and our continued residence untenable.'

But Keith Sivyer, the unit's Bognor area official, became involved in the matter. His experience, training and contacts proved crucial.

At one point, he made daily phone calls to Ms Cobbold to lend advice and emotional and practical support.

'A lot of people on the estate knew what was going on, but no one was willing to come forward. You need witnesses who are willing to go to court and only myself and Tracy were willing to do that,' she said.

One hearing ended with the problem tenant vowing to appeal against losing her home but she was evicted in July by the housing association before that could happen.