My predicament - it’s a long story

You need to get out. It will not get better. As others have said maybe the sheltered accommodation is the best option at the moment. Is there no opportunity to rent a bungalow in a complex where only over 50’s are allowed? We have a lot of such properties in our area for sale but IDK about rent. Could be worth investigating.

I've had experience of dreadful neighbours, my windows have been smashed a few times, intimidation etc. It took over a year for me to get them evicted, the housing association were useless. They fob people off as it is easier.

I'm still weak from that, 2 years later and I don't have the strength to fight anyone again.

However, my experiences were easier than yours and I'm not surprised you haven't got the energy.

Some people aren't reasonable and don't care about others. A good parent would know what their 6 year old is up to, so my feeling is speaking to their mum won't work.

Unless you've lived near horrible people, you can't begin to imagine what's its like and it's puts your life on hold. There isn't enough support for people who are victims of anti social behaviour. It really is hell and its like dealing with a differnt class of people.

What a nightmare for you.
I'd definitely look seriously into taking the sheltered flat. If nothing else there should be some support for you built in, plus you'd be near your son.
You've had enough aggravation to last a lifetime Mincub, time you had some peace of mind x

Mincub What has happened to you is appalling. Makes one understand why so many Labour seats have gone Conservative, including Blair's old seat.

I think you should seek all the help you can. But, while I have never been in a situation anywhere as troubling as yours, I did, when I worked with a community charity, meet people with housing problems caused by neighbours etc and I would try and discuss with them what solution to their problems was in their best interest, as distinct from the solution they most wanted - and there is a difference.

You may find, that what is in your best interest, is a home away from where you are now, possibly near your son, even though it is not ideally what you want.

Agree with others about the sheltered housing option. Not only will you be more likely to go into a quieter area which would hopefully help mitigate any PTSD triggers, but maybe the neighbours would be more like minded.

Is there a reason you have dismissed this option?

I would definitely take the sheltered dwelling, even temporarily. It's got to be better than where you are now.

would you be able to take the sheltered flat for the time being with a view to swap once you are there?

Why not cut your losses and accept the sheltered flat the HA offered in Oxford? Maybe it isn't where you really want to live but it would give you a breathing space and some peace while you look for somewhere that suits you better.
I certainly think you will feel better almost anywhere but where you are.

sounds awful, but sheltered housing has been offered or have I read it wrong?
my dad had a nice sheltered housing flat with a communal room etc, he had outings and other social activities if he wanted to participate, you don't need any more stress, I would look into it if its available to you, blessings

Thank you both
at least that gives me hope I’m not losing my mind

I am really sorry that you’re in this horrid position ?

No advice but I am sorry, it sounds just dreadful.

Thank you for such supporting messages …..I thought maybe it was just me. I don’t have a lot of faith in MPs. My MP when the horrendous behaviour was going on was Tony Blair and I met him many times, he did nothing the grandson involved was that of his right hand man and his agent said he would visit me the ‘back end of next week’ two years on Blair’s Secretary sent me a letter saying ‘ hope you keep an occasional contact with the village when you leave’. That was the solution apparently, shut up or put up or better still move on. I had a visit from the police from a sergeant who had been my best officers mentor, much aggrieved that his protege was found guilty of forgery and who said’ if you don’t shut up we will pull the cameras and Make sure you get victimised’. The cameras were in a locked fireproof box with no tape in the machine as when incidents took place technical support had to come and open the box and said many times there’s no tape in here! Eventually after fighting Blairs council to be accepted onto a council list, my allotted council officer was taken off my case and the director of services stopped my application and told me he would deal with me personally, I did move on but it started again, it was that kind of place so I relocated and my social landlord is full of self praise. I rebuilt my life here as best I could and became the HA vice chair but resigned over their dubious policies, although I did do a lot of good whilst in office as I understand how important housing is to health and welfare.

I just want a quiet life and I fear that I’m now too old, too ill and too tired to find anywhere I can just live peacefully.

It doesn’t bother my husband too much as men move on much easier than women I feel and for the most part I suffered on my own as my husband was working in Northern Ireland and wasn’t accessible, involved or bothered too much by what was going on ‘back home’.
He always says ‘ you shouldn’t lament losing everything, at least you got away, they are stuck there’! But that doesn’t really help.

I’m sorry, it has taken an awful lot to spill my ‘guts’ as I’m usually the person people ask to solve their problems, but I’m damned if I can fix this ongoing misery.?

What a horrible situation for you. Kamiso gives good advice. I would contact as many people as you can, Social Services, ask for a visit from the Council, Citizens Advice, the Police, your MP and anyone else you can think of.
Don't give up. Feel determined. You deserve better.
Good luck

Oh my goodness, what a lot you have been through!
In your place I would be fighting to be moved, yet again.
You shouldn’t have to be the one inconvenienced but taking action against the type of people you are surrounded by will cause more trouble and extreme stress for you.
I wish you well.

It sounds horrendous! Have you contacted Citizens Advice to see if they can do anything to expedite a move? Or possibly your MP? Are there other more rational neighbours that you can get together with?

When we had a problem with glue sniffers in the park opposite it was a senior police officer who spotted our (group) letter in a bin and started the ball rolling and eventually the matter was sorted. Write to anyone you can think of and hopefully one of them will have a conscience.