Drug addicts cause misery for residents at Southampton flats

People in Obelisk Road, Woolstoon, Southampton, told the Echo they have been plagued by anti-social behaviour and crime for several years, including violent incidents.

The property, owned and managed by Stonewater, has become a drug dealers' and addicts' hub, the residents claim. 

John Ross, 82, who has lived in the building for more than 20 years, told the Echo: "This has been going on for five years and there have been fights and people are being stabbed.

"The evidence is there, but Stonewater doesn't want to know, they don't care. 

John complained that outsiders have intruded in the building and it is causing him and the other residents distress. 

He added: "They are scaring the life out of us by banging on our doors and waking up the whole block. 

"People are terrified and I can't live here anymore. 

"My wife had to go seek mental health care because the situation here is ridiculous." 

Residents have complained that drug addicts are getting into the flats, banging doors, smashing windows and shouting until someone lets them in.

An 85-year-old resident, Malcolm Kenneth, had to pay £600 out of his own pocket when a group of teenagers smashed his CCTV cameras.

Malcolm said: "Around three in the morning, someone smashed my cameras. We called the police, but they didn't take any action as they had no evidence. 

"It's got to a point where it's affecting everyone and it's got to stop."

Meanwhile, another resident, Paul Shutler, said: "It's been going on for years and it stresses you out. 

"All these drug addicts need a place to go, and our building is unfortunately the place."

The Woolston residents said they have raised their concerns with the housing agents but received no support from them. 

A few women residing in the building who feel targeted and scared have also voiced their concerns. 

READ MORE: Residents frustrated after months of missed bin collections

A female resident, who did not want to be named, said she fears that the constant battle with drug users is taking its toll on her mental health. 

She said: "It's been badly affecting me. 

"Some of them come in with their weapons, and we've got no backdoor to escape from if anything has to happen. 

"If you go out and confront them, you will get stabbed. 

"We shouldn't live in fear. I can't live like this."

Hampshire police said officers are "conducting a wide range of enquiries, including house-to-house visits," to tackle the issue.

A spokesperson added: "Officers have also been gathering further evidence and intelligence around these types of incidents."

Witnesses are urged to call the police on 101.

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