Resident’s anger over lack of security in flats
A THREE-YEAR battle to improve security at a block of flats has left one resident furious and concerned for the safety of himself and his neighbours.
Irfan Malik, of Seaford Road, Broadfield, has been battling with Crawley Borough Council to have a security system placed in his flat since 2008, when yobs set fire to the doormat outside it.
Mr Malik said he had been forced to heave his heavily pregnant wife and toddler to safety through a window to escape the fire.
At the time a Crawley Borough Council spokesperson said it hoped to have a system installed within a couple of months which would make sure that non-residents could not access the stairwell and corridors of the building.
Mr Malik said: “It is now three years down the line and we have not got anywhere, we are still in the same position.
“Security is still the biggest thing that is wrong with these flats as we have people randomly coming in and smoking.
“Especially as it gets dark early and we get all sorts of people hanging around here.”
Mr Malik said that when he leaves the house his wife is too scared to open the door and has been anxious since the incident.
He added: “We keep the door locked even when we are inside all the time because you never know what might happen. People come in when it’s chucking it down with rain or it’s cold outside and sit on the stairs or just walk around.”
A council spokesperson said it did get quotes for a security system to the flats in 2008 but these were higher than expected.
He said: “There are leaseholders in the flats who would be expected to contribute to the cost and a consultation exercise was needed.
“However, we also became aware of other properties in the area suffering similar problems and the budget wasn’t sufficient to carry out work on all of the properties.
“Unfortunately, at this point work stopped and we apologise that the consultation was never properly concluded.
“We will now pick this issue up again, but it will require a positive commitment to the security system from all residents and further evaluation of how serious and widespread the problems are.”
The council is currently carrying out external stock condition surveys in Broadfield, Ifield, Ifield West and Maidenbower to help plan its maintenance for 2012.
The surveys cover everything from the roof down to ground floors.
Results from the surveys will identify what needs maintenance or replacement.
A council spokesperson added: “The surveys are due to be completed by the end of February, when work to be carried out will be finalised. Specific blocks or properties are not known at this stage but more details will be available in March.”
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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