Fed-up home owner Philip Nicholson has claimed Westminster politicians simply have no idea what it is like to live in today's Britain.

Philip, a gardener, of Alcuin Avenue, Tang Hall, York, said he was completely disillusioned with mainstream politicians.

He has lived in Alcuin Avenue for six years, and says during that time his home and car have been subject to repeated vandalism, but he said he could not afford to move somewhere else.

During the last six months the incidents have increased with around one a month reported to the police.

"I've had my windows smashed and my car burned out, and this is by children aged between nine and 14," he said.

"My house wouldn't look out of place in Palestine. It's absolutely decimated. It looks terrible."

He said the community police officer PC Ian Manley was taking steps, but he wanted to draw politicians' attention to situations like his own.

"Politicians have absolutely no idea what it is like in real life. They don't seem to know. There is no respect for anything any more.

"Tony Blair talks about a classless society, but there is nothing cool about Cool Britannia."

PC Manley, community police officer for Tang Hall South, said that although Alcuin Avenue did not attract any more complaints than streets in his patch, Mr Nicholson's house had been subject to several incidents of vandalism.

He said: "Inquiries are ongoing to find out who is responsible."

Updated: 08:29 Wednesday, May 30, 2001