People scared in housing estates in Whitehawk, Brighton

Tenant representatives in Whitehawk, Brighton, heard neighbours were too scared to report antisocial behaviour and drug dealing issues to police or housing officers.

In Robert Lodge, Whitehawk Road, neighbours are concerned about rumours of “cuckoos”, drug dealers who move into a vulnerable person’s home.

The issue was raised at a housing panel of Brighton and Hove City councillors and tenants – but no complaints were received about Robert Lodge.

Residents were asked to keep diaries listing details to help the housing team take action.

Ahead of the next east area panel on Monday, a statement in a report from residents representatives said: “Many residents, especially those who are elderly, are too scared to report incidents of antisocial behaviour or to be seen to be doing so.

“They are even too scared to have visits from housing officers or the police for fear of repercussions.

“The meeting felt that housing could be doing more to listen to the information provided to them by residents and then to collect evidence in a way that will not impact on or implicate elderly or vulnerable residents who are being affected by antisocial behaviour.”

Housing manager Richard Jordan-Penswick responded to requests for CCTV saying the council would use it as evidence if legally able.

He said: “The housing service is keenly aware that victims of nuisance can often be too scared to give evidence in legal proceedings and cases frequently go forwards with evidence presented in an anonymised form with no identifying information.

“The service operates enhanced service standards to victims of nuisance in order to both provide support and to keep individuals informed of progress.”

People in flats in Horton Road have kept diaries but felt not enough was being done to deal with antisocial behaviour and drug taking.

A report to the north area panel following a residents’ meeting said: “The blocks are cleaned once a week, but the debris and urine quickly build up again.

“The police are aware of the problems with drug dealing in these blocks and some tenants known to be dealing have had their flats raided.

“This doesn’t seem to result in any action being taken against tenants who are clearly in contravention of their tenancy agreement.”

Community engagement manager Sam Warren said no complaints have been received and the cleaning teams found nothing.

He said: “Our estates services team have confirmed that they have seen no signs of drug use, urine or antisocial behaviour of any kind during the past two months since this were raised as an issue.

“This team will always record the discovery of sharp or drug paraphernalia.”

The panel meeting was told a resident had cleaned up the block on a daily basis.

Head of housing, income, supply and customer service, Ododo Dafe asked tenants representatives to call the council team rather than residents cleaning up themselves so the authority has evidence.

She said: “I am concerned a resident is cleaning up drug paraphernalia and would much prefer it if we could send in the relevant officers and safety equipment.”

Residents were asked to take photos as evidence.