Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Residents despair over the flats ‘council forgot’
RESIDENTS say they are powerless and voiceless living in “the block the council has forgotten” which they claim is unsafe and unsanitary.
The residents who live in Antona Court in the Shirehampton area of Bristol say they have reached breaking point living in the sheltered housing block which is blighted by unsightly piles of discarded household items by the entrance.
Bristol City Council, which owns and maintains the property, has said it recognises that some areas of Antona Court are “dated and in need of updating”, adding that it was taking measures to address issues raised by residents.
Susan Hater, 54, who has lived at the property for nearly four years, said: “This is the block the council has forgotten and despite sending emails and calling the council to remove the rubbish, it is still there.”
Ms Hater said the heaps of rubbish, including fridges, freezers, TVs and mattresses, have been there since February and attract rats.
She says residents and non-residents add to it and it is an eyesore.
A resident of nine years, Paul Hancock said: “I’ve seen stuff there for months - it’s almost like a listed building. It’s been there for so long.
“You’ve got people who don’t live here adding into it - it’s a free fly-tipping area.”
The 59-year-old also claims to have seen travellers unloading unwanted items.
“We are off the main road here, so it’s out-of-sight, out-of-mind and people living here shouldn’t have to see that,” he added.
The carer said he often has to pick up litter from around the property.
He said as a rent-paying resident, it is not their responsibility and feels that other council blocks are regularly maintained.
Residents say having a bin store next to their flats is not ideal and when the weather is warm, they are unable to open their windows due to the strong odours.
According to Ms Hater, it is not fit for family or friends when they come to visit.
She claims the council has done nothing to improve the building except painted the walls for the first time in 25 years and laid new carpets.
“We’ve had people coming in here through the windows, and people sleeping and drinking and nothing was done about it,” she added.
A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “We have been reporting instances of fly-tipping for removal as quickly as possible by our waste crews.
“But we recognise that recent staffing issues caused by the pandemic have resulted in clearances taking a little longer than usual, and are working hard with our partners to ensure these are cleared.
These flats are not built to live in - this is God’s waiting room. They ‘re for people to spend their last days in KIM GARLAND
“An enclosed recycling area for residential access only is also being installed to help alleviate these problems with this and the bin store.”
“We recognise that areas of Antona Court have looked dated and in need of updating.
“As well as the recently finished maintenance and painting of the whole building, a successful recent Neighbourhood Investment Bid will allow us to progress plans to make around £60,000 of external improvements.”
Kim Garland, who has lived at Antona Court for 11 years, said: “These flats are not built to live in this is God’s waiting room. They were built for people to spend their last days in.”
The residents also say illegal drugs are being consumed inside the property. Ms Garland added: “This is supposed to be an over-50s block and we’ve got 20-odd year-olds smoking cannabis inside our communal areas.”
A council spokesperson added: “Any reports of potential criminal and anti-social behaviour will be investigated and we would urge residents with concerns to raise them both with the housing officer and police so that further information can be gathered and action can be taken.”