A resident at Nouncells Cross has delivered a damning verdict on conditions at the block of flats, raising concerns over alleged anti-social behaviour, security, fire safety and the level of services being provided.
The unnamed resident, who has spoken to Stroud Times, claims residents have become increasingly frustrated by what they describe as a lack of action over a number of ongoing issues.
Among the concerns raised are allegations that anti-social behaviour complaints have not been properly addressed, with the resident claiming an ASB case was closed despite an ongoing police investigation.
The resident also claims that fire doors have not been properly maintained, alleging that broken soft-close mechanisms mean the doors slam whenever they are used.
Security is another major concern. The resident claims the main entrance lock has been faulty for several months, potentially allowing unauthorised people to gain access to the building.
They also allege that people experiencing homelessness have been sleeping in communal areas and claim that some have been smoking inside the building.
Questions have also been raised about communal cleaning.
The resident questioned why service charges continue to be collected, claiming there has been no cleaner since tiles were removed from the communal hallway several weeks ago.
They also claim that much of the gardening work is being carried out by volunteers.
The resident has further questioned the continued provision of a communal satellite dish, asking why residents are still contributing towards the service when, they say, residents have their own Wi-Fi packages.
Another issue raised concerns the use of a council-owned flat as a site office.
The resident questioned why the flat is being used for this purpose, particularly as work at the building had allegedly stopped for several months before recently resuming.
They asked who is paying for the accommodation and whether the property could instead be made available to someone on the housing waiting list.
The resident also questioned why a dedicated flat is required as a site office when the council already has substantial office facilities.
The resident told Stroud Times that they wanted the issues brought into the public domain because of growing frustration among people living at Nouncells Cross.
A Stroud District Council spokesperson said: “We are investing £1.8 million to improve the Nouncells Cross flats and residents’ safety and security is our highest priority. Communal fire doors are inspected quarterly and defects repaired, and we continue to monitor and maintain fire doors.
“We currently have no outstanding repair reports relating to the main entrance lock, but following these concerns we will inspect all entrance doors and address any issues identified. Residents are encouraged to report security concerns so they can be investigated promptly.
“As part of the refurbishment, a vacant council-owned flat has been used as a temporary site office and base for the Tenant Liaison Officer, providing residents with a point of contact during the works. Although roofing works were temporarily paused while surveys relating to bats were completed, other refurbishment continued.
“We take antisocial behaviour seriously and any non-urgent incidents can be reported online via www.stroud.gov.uk/report-it/, or by calling our out-of-hours ASB Hotline on 0800 075 6699. Details will be recorded and passed on to the relevant team on the next working day and necessary action taken. In an emergency, police should be called.
“The building is covered by CCTV and the Council works with the police and StreetLink where concerns are raised over unauthorised access. Residents are encouraged not to allow unknown individuals into the building and to report any security or anti-social behaviour issues so they can be investigated promptly.
“Residents with a Sky subscription can receive it through a communal satellite dish, meaning individual satellite dishes are not required. This helps maintain the building’s appearance and residents can access television services if they choose to do so.
“Grounds maintenance continues to be provided by the Council’s contractor. In addition, a resident-led gardening group carries out voluntary planting and enhancement activities, supported by the Council.
“A communal cleaning service remains in place, with cleaning carried out weekly during summer and twice weekly during winter. While recent works have caused some disruption, the service has not been withdrawn.”
