RESIDENTS who live at a block of flats in Basingstoke have said they "do not feel safe" following "antisocial behaviour" incidents and a lift that has been vandalised and broken for weeks.

A number of residents have expressed problems they are experiencing while living in Aidan Court in Basingstoke.

They said the issues include a broken lift, antisocial behaviour and drug-related incidents.

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Candice Marsh, has lived in the four-story building for four years and said she does not feel safe.

She said: "The lift has been vandalised twice now in the space of six months and it has only been working for about eight weeks in the past six months."

She said it is "trapping loads of people in" including "mums with babies" who are struggling to get out.

She added: "It has a massive effect on our lives because you can't even really do shopping and a lot of us are having to do a little shop every day because you have to carry it up the flights of stairs."

She said there are also residents in the building who are physically unable to use the stairs.

She added: "We are all sick to death of it and everyone is really angry and upset."

Catherine Davies has lived in the building since it was built in 2018 and was heavily pregnant when the lift was previously broken, she said the whole thing is "really upsetting".

On top of this they both said there are "drug problems" and "antisocial behaviour" problems within the building.

Candice added: "We have reported this to Vivid and they opened a case but it has been continuing.

"We really do need CCTV in the flat and in certain places in the building and we think they are drug deals happening inside the building."

A spokesperson from Vivid confirmed the housing company are aware of the problems.

Jonathan Cowie, chief operating officer for Vivid, said: “The lift at Aidan Court was taken out of service on 4 April, following damage that’s believed to have been caused by vandalism. We’re working closely with the management company for the building, FirstPort, to secure a date for the repair of the lift as soon as possible, once the affected part becomes available. FirstPort is in contact with customers at Aidan Court to advise them of the status of the lift and we’re ensuring any individual needs are met whilst the lift is out of use.

“We are aware of some isolated reports of antisocial behaviour at the building and we’re working with our residents and the local police force to resolve these issues. This may include additional measures, such as CCTV installation and we’ll consult with residents once we have more information on the options available.”

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Residents have said the "police have been called" and the building is "no longer safe" and is a "complete nightmare".

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police, added: "We were called at 12.08pm on Thursday 24 March to a report of someone smoking cannabis in Aidan Court, Robertson Way.

"Officers are speaking with the person who made the report."

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