Elderly Halesowen resident frightened by drug use in Tenbury House

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An elderly woman who lives in a council block says she is frightened to leave her flat after seeing people inject themselves in communal areas, and her hearing from her neighbour, who saw a man expose himself.

Ann West says she feels "helpless" and "frightened" after seeing a neighbour and several of his friends openly injecting drugs in corridors and communal outdoor areas at Tenbury House, a block of flats just off Andrew Road.

She said: "He's going out, leaving open fire doors, propping them open, so he and his friends can come through and do as they please."

"The other day my friend came down to the shop to be greeted by a lovely sight. One of the addicts had his trousers down, exposing his backside and injecting."

The small area by the front door of Tenbury House where Ann says addicts like to inject (Image: Supplied)

"On the same day, they were also trying to break into the flats."

Ann West claims one of the perpetrators lives in the block, which is run by Dudley Borough Council, while others are visitors who congregate together in a "little cluster" to do drugs.

She said it happens both in the evening and in broad daylight.

"Whenever they need it," she said.

She also sees them waiting for their dealers to come round in cars and drop off their "goodies".

Ann said she "does not know where to turn" after initially contacting the police and the housing manager.

She said: "The police sent me an email back to say they were coming round at 2.30pm on a Saturday. They did not show up but the police said they were busy with another case when I phoned up."

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "We received a report of antisocial behaviour and concerns over criminal activity taking place at a block of flats on Highfield Lane, Halesowen, on 28 August."

"Within that report, we received a third-party report of a man exposing himself and causing fear to residents."

"We have spoken to the person who reported these incidents to us and reassured her we are carrying out a full investigation and will be on patrol in the area."

"I understand the impact antisocial behaviour and criminal activity can have on the community and we will continue to act against those responsible.

"Extra reassurance patrols are being carried out on that street and surrounding areas and anyone found to be committing ASB (Anti-social behaviour) or engaging in criminal activity will be dealt with."

Ann says the police have since called her and promised to increase their presence in the area.

She said: "I hope they do, but I have little faith in their promises"

She is also calling for the installation of security cameras in the block.

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