LIVING IN FEAR
Our lives are hell thanks to nightmare neighbours – they light FIRES, kick in doors & scrawl graffiti… we’re not safe
PEOPLE living in a block of flats say their lives are hell thanks to nightmare neighbours.
Residents inside one of Kent's biggest tower blocks, The Panorama, in Ashford, say teen yobs light fires, kick in their doors and scrawl graffiti everywhere.
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As terrified locals start to wonder whether they're safe, one fed-up dad has said the "anti-social behaviour has just become unbearable" and something needs to be done.
Trey Walker, 25, told how gangs prise their way into the nine-storey high rise and cause chaos for everyone living there.
Speaking of the grim reality, he told : "The anti-social behaviour has just become unbearable but it’s also criminal damage and trespassing - they are destroying the place
"It’s time to take a stand. We can’t carry on like this any more."
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Families are also forced to deal with youths dropping large objects from the rooftops - with a sand bag even smashing down on a car and "writing it off".
Trey, who lives with fiancee Britney Burgess, 23, and their son Romeo, two, said post is also stolen from communal boxes and fire exit doors are ripped off the hinges and defaced.
The couple have called the block their home for two years and pay £950 per month.
But now they're expecting their second child in January, Trey and Britney are desperately trying to look for somewhere else to live.
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Britney said: "I don’t want to live here anymore. I don’t feel safe.
"If the building goes up when a fire is set, what then?"
The panicked mum was forced to call Trey when he was at work once because the hooligans were trying to kick the doors in.
It's understood the amount of security at the property was drastically reduced at the beginning of this year - which is when troubles started.
A spokesman for building managers Centrick said despite the smaller security team, they're looking at ways to improve the situation.
They said: "In conjunction with the owners, a building security survey was undertaken and, following the results of the survey, brought The Panorama in line with other similar sites.
“This new security level includes a full-time building manager and daily patrols.
"This security level is under constant review, however, and includes regular consultation with residents.
“Following a recent consultation with residents, plans have also been approved to implement enhanced CCTV and access control measures, with timescales for installation imminent.
“The incidents alleged were dealt with speedily by the building management and the police were fully informed.
“We’re disappointed that the isolated actions of a few vandals have impacted our residents and continue to work with all parties to maintain the safety and security of The Panorama.”
Police have been informed of the behaviour and said they're working to identity anyone responsible.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Ashford's Neighbourhood Beat Team have been made aware of concerns over anti-social behaviour at the property in Park Street and will work with partners agencies and residents to identify anyone responsible and take appropriate action.
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“Anyone with concerns is urged to report offences through the Kent Police website, or call 999 if a crime is in progress, so that local officers have the best information available to them when responding.”
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