It is claimed residents in Dundee’s multis are being left “terrified” by the actions of drug users and vandals during the hours of darkness – amid suggestions the problems are getting worse.
The back stairways in many of the city’s multi-storey blocks are said to have become drug dens and the scene of “carnage” between 3pm and 7am.
Sources claim the problems have been exacerbated during the Covid-19 pandemic, and there are frustrations about an alleged lack of action being taken by the council at flats including Ancrum Court – though the local authority insists it offers residents “enhanced security” arrangements.
One whistleblower told The Courier that residents regularly report issues without response, saying: “What the tenants are having to put up with is a nightmare.
‘Tenants in the multis are terrified’
“It’s carnage and the multis just don’t feel a safe place to be for many residents after dark.”
One resident, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, said: “Tenants in the multis are terrified.
“It feels like drug users have taken over. There are some who sit on the back stairs all through the night taking drugs and causing mayhem.”
He added: “SARC (Safety and Alarm Response Centre) responders are refusing to go on to the stairwells to do checks and residents wouldn’t dare go near the stairwells once the concierges clock off.
“Many of us are absolutely petrified to venture out after dark. The stairwells are being used as drug dens.
“In the morning there is discarded drugs paraphernalia everywhere that the concierges then have to clear up.
“I don’t see why they should have to do that.”
Another resident said: “I wouldn’t go near the stairwells after dark once the concierges leave.
“There are people openly taking drugs and most mornings there is drugs paraphernalia scattered everywhere.
“Windows are smashed, doors are battered on in the middle of the night – in some cases doors are even kicked in.
“I have come across human waste on the landings and there’s graffiti everywhere.
“Living here has become a nightmare for most normal residents but we feel we have nowhere to turn.”
It comes amid fears that closure of bin chutes in the multis will lead to increased issues.
A Dundee City Council spokesman said: “Our Security and Alarm Response Centre offers 24-hour security across council buildings, including the 11 multi-story blocks.
“The centre offers enhanced security for residents, staff and the community. ”
He added: “The controlled door entry systems at each multi-storey block are covered by CCTV cameras and these cameras all have audio capability allowing staff to challenge visitors to the block during night-time hours.
“These measures allow staff to prevent anti-social behaviour from occurring.
“Caretaking staff are also deployed at multi blocks during the day and regular night-time security checks are undertaken by SARC staff. Concerns around alleged drugs activity should always be reported to Police Scotland.”
Earlier this year one woman who lives at Adamson Court in Lochee revealed how she was forced to create a makeshift barrier in her home to ensure her own safety.
