TEMPORARY accommodation provided for young mums and homeless people in Andover's Junction Road is little short of a living hell, according to a grandmother who visits the property regularly.
Teri Blake, whose 20-year-old daughter has been there since August, says even a short visit to the property leaves her depressed. "It's disgusting," she said.
According to Ms Blake, tramps have visited the property for baths, blood has been left in the bath, drugs have been used quite openly, drunken rowdy behaviour is commonplace in the early hours and the rooms are far too small for a mother and a crawling baby.
Washing and toilet facilities are communal and, according to Teri Blake, the hygiene of at least one occupant is a cause for concern as she decided to get rid of disposable nappies by throwing them out of a window.
There is also a thief in the building.
"Last week my daughter had to use the upstairs washing facilities," said Mrs Blake.
"She put the baby clothes in the drier, went back downstairs to feed the baby, went back and the lot was stolen. I phoned the council and was told it was nothing to do with them and to tell my daughter to contact the police. "I want to find out if there is anyone out there who is concerned about what goes on in these places. These young girls are human beings so give them the right to be treated like human beings."
The building is owned by Test Valley Borough Council but managed by Testway Housing.
Keith Sutcliffe, TVBC housing needs manager, said: "There is a cleaning contract for this building and it is visited regularly so that issues tenants may have can be talked through. On average we are moving people through the hostels on to permanent accommodation in 14 or 15 months.
"The building will become part of the Foyer scheme later this year so all tenants will move on to other accommodation."
When this has happened housing associations will have been able to purchase more suitable temporary accommodation.
Sgt Kev McCarthy, confirmed that a drugs raid had been carried out at the building.
"One person was arrested and cautioned and we would be very interested to speak to anyone with information concerning drug use," he said.
Pc Tim Chappell is the officer involved and can be contacted on 0845 045 4545.
Testway Housing's housing manager, Ivor Evans, said: "The legislation allows us to take action if someone is convicted of a drugs offence or any other arrestable offence so we could end a tenancy by notice to quit provided the local authority agrees."
He added that a lot of work had been put in by his staff but there was a need for all residents to behave in a responsible way.
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