A pensioner fears she could be forced to move after “getting stoned” off second-hand cannabis smoke seeping into her Dundee flat.
Residents of a block in Logie Street, Lochee – including a mother and her toddler – are using towels as draught excluders in a desperate bid to stop the pungent odour entering their homes.
They say people smoking the Class B drug nearby is causing smoke and smells to penetrate their flats, with some saying they have been ingesting the second-hand fumes.
Complaints have been made to Home Group, who manages some of the flats in the block, as well as claims of other anti-social behaviour.
A spokeswoman for the housing association says these have been reported to the police.
However, police say they found no evidence of substance misuse during visits to the block.
‘Doctor told me I was stoned’
One Home Group tenant, 70-year-old Pauline Barber, says she thinks she will have to move as the situation is becoming unbearable.
“The smell of cannabis is horrendous,” she said.
“About three months back I had puffy eyes and my doctor told me I was stoned.
“Imagine having to live with that odour constantly circling in and out of your home.
“I’m considering moving given the issues with this.
“There is also all sorts of activity in the block at all times of the night, something needs to be done about it.”
‘Constant smell of skunk’
Another tenant, Jan McDonald, suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and says the cannabis smell has made her ill.
“I honestly feel like I’m getting high off of the second-hand smoke that is wafting through my home,” she said.
“The buzzer is going at all times of the night, the secure entry door has been damaged and their is a constant smell of skunk.
“At the weekends it is particularly bad to the point where I feel ill.”
The 58-year-old is one of several residents who have complained.
‘My toddler is sleeping in my bed’
One occupant, who asked not to be named, said her three-year-old daughter now has to sleep in her bedroom due to the smell and anti-social behaviour.
“I have a toddler and she’s now sleeping in my bed” the 24-year-old said.
“The smell coming in is absolutely constant.
“The police have been in the block on several occasions regarding anti-social problems.
“I’m using towels to block the odour out my bedroom and I’ve taken my three-year-old into my bedroom to sleep.
“She is scared because of the shouting and banging in the block and it just puts you on edge.
“There are so many comings and goings at all times of the night.”
What should you do if you smell cannabis in your home?
Possession of cannabis, which is a class B drug, is illegal in the UK.
This means if you are bothered by the smell of the drug you can report it to police.
Police Scotland advises anyone with concerns to call 101.
Allegations investigated
Anne Gall, operations manager at Home Group, said: “As soon as we were made aware of the alleged anti-social behaviour we immediately notified the police.
“They are currently carrying out an investigation into the allegations and we are supporting them with that.
“We will await the outcome but what I can say is that Home Group has a zero tolerance approach when it comes to anti-social behaviour.
“We take allegations of this type extremely seriously indeed and have policies in place to deal with it effectively.
“I would encourage anyone who experiences anti-social behaviour, of any kind, to report it to Home Group immediately, and in confidence, and report any suspected criminal offences directly to the police.”
‘No evidence’
A spokeswoman for the force confirmed they received several complaints in connection with the block over recent months.
She added: “Police Scotland have received four complaints since December in connection with a block on Logie Street.
“Officers have found no evidence or trace of any substance upon arriving at the properties.”
