Anger after broken doors 'let anyone walk' in to Southend flats

A video, which featured resident Ian Ward, highlighted the problems with the blocks entrance

Angry residents who live in Southend tower blocks with broken doors and smashed windows fear "anyone could access the buildings".

Tenants said their Queensway flats had become a magnet for vandals and drug takers who congregated on stairwells.

A video uploaded to social media by a resident, showed how easy it was for people to walk in to the buildings.

A South Essex Homes spokesman said it was working with contractors to find a solution.

Mike Smith posted a video on to the I Love Queensway Estate Facebook page, which highlighted how magnets, designed to keep the block's main door closed, have been damaged.

The footage also showed how smashed widows have been left boarded up.

'We've had lots of trouble'

Another resident Ian Ward explained how one of the magnets had dropped out and narrowly missed his foot.

He added: "I've been living on this estate for 15 years and we've had lots of trouble. South Essex Homes is not doing their job and they are not talking to us about it either."

David Garston, Southend Conservative councillor responsible for housing and planning, insisted South Essex Homes was highly responsive when he reported issues.

He added: "I'm very surprised to hear that there is so much they [residents] think is wrong and going on a long time because as soon as I report something that has been brought to my attention they get contractors to deal with it. South Essex Homes is giving a lot of emphasis to the estate.

"People getting in is a major problem and it's happening because of tailgating.

"As a resident goes in somebody will follow them in and they are too nervous to question them because they could be risking their own security. You've got the homeless getting in and you've got people with drugs - I honestly don't know the answer without having security on every door."

A South Essex Homes spokesman said staff were aware of the defective door and outstanding repairs to glazing "both of which are very often the subject of vandalism".

He added: "We have been working with contractors on a cost-effective solution to ensure the system is more robust.

"Unfortunately, this has not been achieved and our only option, to ensure we have a reliable and robust solution, is to replace the whole door and frame set.

"We apologise for not keeping residents appraised of the deliberations but will ensure we take this away and improve our communication on this matter."