Hanwell residents wait months for housing association to fix front door – EALING.NEWS – The Voice of Ealing 7 towns

Residents living in a housing association in Hanwell say a front door lock that has not been repaired for months has seen drug addicts and rough sleepers enter their building at all hours and sleep near their apartments.

The main entrance door at Bayeux Court, off Church Road in Hanwell, stopped locking in mid-February 2024 and was only repaired yesterday (16 May 2024).

For the past three months, people have gained entry to the building and slept directly outside the residents’ own doors.

Residents say they have contacted housing association Karibu Community Homes with their safety concerns, but believe they have been ignored.

Speaking to EALING.NEWS, one resident said: “We’ve had rough sleepers and drug users come into our building since the front door broke in mid-February 2024 and despite reporting it regularly , they ignore our messages.”

The concerned resident also revealed that he had to contact the police. They said: “The local police are aware and are supporting as much as they can but we are scared and angry that this is continuing and Karibu is ignoring a huge safety risk.

“We have emailed Karibu at least weekly since February and requested a call back, but no one from Karibu has responded. Karibu seems to ignore our safety concerns. People came into the building and there were so many different people sleeping here at different times as it spread to the local rough sleeping community.”

EALING.NEWS contacted Karibu. In a statement on the situation, a spokesperson said: “Karibu Community Homes acknowledges the concerns expressed by residents of Bayeux Court regarding a faulty front door. The door was initially repaired in March 2024. However, a faulty component required ordering a replacement part for a later repair.

“We encountered unforeseen delays from the manufacturer in supplying the replacement part. However, we have been advised by our contractor that the part has now been received and we anticipate the repair to be completed by today (May 16, 2024) to repair the door which will ensure the continued security of our residents.

“The safety and well-being of our residents is paramount. We are making every effort to resolve the problem of rough sleepers around the property.

“We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate residents’ patience while the repair is completed.”