An apartment block on the Falls Roads has become plagued by drug dealing and anti-social behaviour, ruining the lives of those who live there.
A young mum living in the apartments at the corner of Cupar Street Lower has said she is terrified for the safety of her children living in the flats due to the constant stream of problems there.
She says they have been kept awake all night by constant partying and that drug dealing regularly takes place there. There have also been a number of incidents that have seen armed police attend the property, including one recently where a woman was allegedly "stabbed in the face".
Read more: Woman 'stabbed in the face' during incident in West Belfast
The mum also says she has found used needles at the apartments and a "bag of blood" on the stairs. She has also had times where "complete strangers" have walked in or attempted to come into her flat.
Speaking to Belfast Live, she said: "For the past two to three years there have been problems at these apartments.
"When I first got the flat I was told that it was only going to be a place for young families and over 50s, but that has not been the case at all.
"There are a number of flats where there is constant partying at all hours of the night and their doors are constantly banging so you barely get any sleep at all.
"There are always people high on drugs or drunk coming in and out of the apartments, and the parties often turn violent and it is common to see someone covered in blood running through the halls. The armed police have been here a few times.
"Random strangers have been trying to get into my flat because they are too high to realise it is not the one they are looking for, and there have been times people have just walked into my apartment and stood there until I rang the police.
"I have found used needles lying around the property and one day I even found a bag of blood just sitting on the stairs.
"The place is just not safe for children and young families to live in and I am exhausted trying to have the problems addressed."
Police have said they are aware of the concerns regarding anti-social behaviour and drug offences in the area and that they are working with partner agencies, local representatives and the community to find solutions to the issues.
Inspector White said: “We are committed to working towards a solution and welcome any information from the public and local elected representatives to inform what we are doing.
"Our officers continue to provide a visible policing presence throughout West Belfast. We constantly monitor crime trends and deploy our resources to the areas of greatest need and vulnerability and regularly run targeted policing operations, working alongside partners to address community concerns.
“We all have a responsibility to help make where we live safer for everyone. Reporting crimes or incidents that impact on your quality of life helps focus our patrols where they are needed and take positive action. Ring us on 101, report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or speak directly to your Neighbourhood Team.
"A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk."
Clanmil Housing Association manages the apartment block and said that it will be investigating the allegations and that it is committed to providing safe housing schemes. It also said it has been on site following an incident on Tuesday, May 11, where a woman was allegedly stabbed in the face during an assault.
It said: "We are committed to providing a safe and peaceful environment at our housing schemes, including our general needs apartments at 41 Falls Road.
"We will be assisting the PSNI in their investigation of Tuesday’s incident, and where there is evidence of a breach of tenancy, we will be taking robust action against those involved.
"Our team are on site today, supporting the people affected.
"We would encourage anyone with information about Tuesday's incident to report it to the PSNI and to our team.
"We manage our schemes closely and we take appropriate action against individuals who are in breach of their tenancy agreement. Action can only be taken where tenants report issues to our team. There has only been one report of anti-social behaviour at this scheme in the past 12 months, and that was low-level.
"We will now be speaking directly to tenants to understand the allegations made regarding the scheme and will follow up on any information received.”
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