A FORMER Gwent councillor said he and his wife may have to leave their home after suffering a string of abuse and criminal damage over the last six weeks.

Former Gwent county council leader Graham Powell, 84, who has worked in local politics for 58 years, and his wife Sybil, 74, said they are being targeted and harassed in their own home.

Last week the lights on the couple's car were smashed, flour and tomato juice was thrown at the car window, and eggs thrown on to their patio and kitchen window.

Mr and Mrs Powell first heard about what had happened after being woken by their neighbours at about 9.30pm on Wednesday.

Caldicot town councillor David Ashwin and his wife, who live opposite, had come home from a town council meeting when they saw a group of about six boys and a girl outside Mr and Mrs Powell's house.

They saw the damage, called the police and informed Mr and Mrs Powell.

Mr Powell said this is the latest in a sting of abuse and harassment he and his wife have suffered.

He described how his wife was "abused, humiliated, harassed and sworn at" as she was shutting the garage door about four weeks ago.

A rear light on their car was also smashed on October 16.

Mr Powell said it has become "intolerable" and asked how many times it is going to keep happening.

The couple are worried things are going to get worse and Mrs Powell wants to sell the house and move in with her son.

Mr Powell said: "At 74 years of age, it's very stressful especially when it's happening for no reason."

The couple have lived in their flat for the last 30 years and said they have never had anything like this happen before.

A police spokeswoman said officers went to the house on Wednesday night and conducted a search of the area.

She said investigations are ongoing and appealed for anyone with information to contact Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Local ward officers are discussing any concerns with the couple and local patrols will be implemented in the area.