| Residents of multi-storey blocks in Lochee have claimed they are being treated as second class citizens and living in constant fear because of the ongoing problems.
Police introduced Operation High Rise and have urged residents to contact the police with useful information, either in confidence or anonymously, about anti-social or drug-related behaviour.
But tenants living in Burnside Court and Ancrum Court say they will be too scared to make complaints because they live in fear of retribution.
One concerned resident, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said, “If you speak to some of the residents they will tell you what’s the point of reporting things as nothing gets done?
“They honestly believe nothing will get done because it’s been proven in the past.
“They have people coming to their doors asking for money, milk or tinfoil and if they don’t give it they are subject to abuse which is really quite frightening — especially for the elderly.
“They are also subjected to being accosted by users on the landings, stairwells and in the lifts.
“I am not exaggerating — this happens as a daily occurrence. Taxis and cars arrive at all times of the day and night.
“There is a 92-year-old woman who is actually terrified to leave her home.
“This is not right. Nobody should have to be subjected to live like this.
“Residents feel they are just left to get on with it. They see other multis getting their repairs done and major improvements but they aren’t even getting simple things done.
“There are a couple of tenants who have cleaned up the drug paraphanelia and human waste.
“They were told by housing that they shouldn’t do this as it is the caretakers job.
“But what else can they do when either they can’t find the caretaker or it happens when he isn’t on?
“They do this in an attempt to protect the children that live in the multi and other residents.
“They shouldn’t be criticised for trying to keep their area respectable and clean.”
Lochee residents have watched the area fall steadily into decline with the closure of major stores such as Tesco and Woolworths and the rise of a drug culture.
The Scottish Government has allocated £2 million from a £40 million Town Centre Regeneration Fund to breathe new life into the rundown Lochee High Street.
The ambitious project includes a series of street improvements and upgrades to the library and swimming pool.
Security gates will be installed over closes in the High Street and extra security lighting introduced to discourage crime and prevent junkies from using back gardens and stairwells as drug dens.
Tenants living in Burnside Court and Ancrum Court fear the security gates being put in the High Street will bring more anti-social behaviour and drug misuse to their doorstep.
“When they put security doors on the closes in the High Street they will influx into this area as this is what always happens,” the concerned resident added.
“The police want tenants to name perpetrators and supply information like car registrations, names of people but they don’t want to give them the reassurance that something will be done.
“I am aware that it takes time to collaborate information but surely these residents should live in safety?
“They are being asked to pay the same rent as people living in other areas of Lochee but they are living in inferior homes.
“This is not right and again is an infringement of their basic human rights.”
A spokesman for Tayside Police said officers recently went doortodoor in the area, speaking with residents and providing them with advice on how to contact the police with information about antisocial or drugrelated behaviour.
He added, “We would urge anyone wishing to report an incident to contact their community officer or call Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222.
“They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.’’ |
