Mum finds needles and blood on walls at multi

Ayoung mum has described life in a Dundee multi as a “nightmare” as she regularly finds used needles and blood on the walls of her block.

Shania Guild, who lives with baby Dakota and partner Dale Russell, 25, in Adamson Court, has said the behaviour of other residents and trespassers is making her life hell.

Her plight has led to Councillor Charlie Malone pledging to call a meeting in a bid to address the issues at the Lochee block, which has seen used drug paraphernalia a consistent sight in the area.

The situation has become so bad that Shania, 20, hasn’t left the house for two weeks.

She said: “I am terrified for my own safety and that of my baby daughter.

“Life around here is a nightmare and I am so scared I haven’t left the flat in two weeks.

“I’ve not been to the shops or even to the bin chute.

“I am getting desperate. I shouldn’t have to live like this. I am really, really scared and my anxiety is getting worse.

“When you go on to the stairwells there are dirty, used needles, all over the floors with tin foil, teaspoons and capsules lying all around.

“There is blood up the walls and urine and vomit everywhere.

“I have lived here for nine months now and it is getting worse.

“I suffer from anxiety as it is and this is just pushing me over the edge. I’m so afraid for me and my baby’s safety.”

As well as the constant stream of litter lying around the close, there has also been a fire in the bin chute in recent weeks, with all residents being evacuated.

Shania added: “That was really frightening. There have been lots of other occasions lately when people have been banging on our door late at night while under the influence of drugs and I don’t know what to do.

“I am desperate to get out of here.

“I don’t want my little girl growing up here. It is just not safe.

“I have spoken to the concierge but he admitted he was limited in what he could do, and my local family health nurse has also been trying to help but she can’t do much about my housing situation.

“I have also had interventions from social work but they have told me that nothing can be done to get us a new house because they are very busy just now trying to find houses for homeless people affected by Covid.”

Mr Malone, councillor for Lochee, has pledged to help Shania and her fellow residents in the Lochee multi.

He said: “It’s absolutely shocking seeing the pictures of drug paraphernalia in Adamson Court.

“No family should have to tolerate the destruction of what should be a safe living space.

“I expressed my concerns about the lack of security when the decision was taken to remove night shift, concierge staff.

“We, as councillors, were told that the replacement rapid response facilities with enhanced CCTV would increase security.

“What this case and too many others in the Lochee multis demonstrates is that this is failing.

“I will be writing to officers asking for a meeting of key stakeholders including the police to review the safety of residents living in multis.”

A Dundee City Council spokesperson said: “We take all allegations of antisocial behaviour very seriously.

“Anyone with any concerns should contact the council directly to discuss a matter with an officer.

“We would always encourage any individual who wants to discuss their rehousing application to contact our lettings centre directly.

“We can also provide housing support to assist tenants during this period.”

TERRIFIED: Shania has said her life in Adamson Court is a “nightmare”. She is pictured with Dale and Dakota. Photo by Kim Cessford.