Residents of Brickland Court say they are “living in a state of constant distress,” reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Residents are at “breaking point” as rat infestations, disrepair and antisocial behaviour reach “unbearable levels” at a block in Edmonton Green.

Fatima Bari, a resident of Brickland Court, managed by housing association L&Q, said residents have been complaining about issues at the block for 18 months.

“We are living in a state of constant distress,” she said. “Despite our repeated complaints, the [rat infestation] problem continues to worsen day-by-day.

“The presence of these pests not only poses a threat to our health and well-being but also compromises the structural integrity of our homes.”

Kristian Melgaard, director of housing management at L&Q, has said the company carried out “regular inspections and maintenance” at Brickland Court and had worked with pest control teams to “tackle any problems”.

However, Fatima said the rat infestation had escalated and was now a “full-blown crisis”.

In addition, a group of youths frequently display threatening and harassing behaviour in the block and Fatima described how she had put herself at risk when she intervened to tell the group to leave.

“The persistent antisocial behaviour in our block has left us feeling unsafe in our own homes. Incidents of violence and abuse have become all too common, with the police being called on a regular basis.”

Disrepair such as the “constant breakdowns” of the lifts in the six-storey building, holes in walkway walls, and an “overpowering smell of urine and dead rats” also concerned residents.

Fatima said: “It is disheartening to witness the deterioration of the spaces meant to foster a sense of community and pride. We deserve better, and it is high time that our concerns are addressed.

“For the past 18 months, we have tirelessly voiced our grievances, but our pleas seem to fall on deaf ears.”

Fatima added that, when speaking with L&Q staff, she was once told repairs were not being carried out because “the people who live here don’t care”.

In response, Kristian apologised on behalf of L&Q for the issues residents were experiencing and said the team was working with residents to address concerns.

He said: “Most recently, we carried out the repair of a lift in the building on 11th July.

“We identified issues with the bin stores, which were being misused by unauthorised residents, and have replaced the doors to secure these.

“We have also worked with pest control teams to tackle any problems, and the bin store area has been deep cleaned.”

Kristian wanted to assure residents L&Q was “taking appropriate action to resolve any outstanding complaints”.

He said: “It is important to us that our residents are safe in their homes, and we are aware of reports of antisocial behaviour in this block.

“L&Q are currently working with the police to secure the building and to tackle this behaviour.

“Residents who continue to experience any issues should reach out to L&Q, and we will take swift action to make things right.”

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