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Photos show extent of drug use taking place in communal hallways of west Belfast flats

Used syringes, prescription drugs and other drug paraphernalia in the hallways of Ross Street flats in west Belfast
Used syringes, prescription drugs and other drug paraphernalia in the hallways of Ross Street flats in west Belfast Used syringes, prescription drugs and other drug paraphernalia in the hallways of Ross Street flats in west Belfast

RESIDENTS who say they are living "a nightmare" are to meet today to tackle anti-social behaviour at a west Belfast block of flats.

Photos emerged on social media yesterday that show the extent to which communal hallways at Ross Street flats in the lower Falls area are being used for activity including drug taking.

Images show used syringes, prescription drugs and other paraphernalia lying strewn around the floor outside residents' doors.

Those living in the area around the flats are said to be too afraid to pass the complex at night or allow children out to play nearby.

Sinn Féin assembly member Fra McCann said the photographs were clear evidence that "urgent action was needed".

"The people that are doing it live yards away. They are high on heroin and prescription drugs," he said.

"The people living in the flats, they're living a nightmare. The Housing Executive need to do the right thing. It is not only a housing problem, it is a policing problem and a social problem."

Mr McCann alleged those gathering at the flats had smashed their way in and were involved in car-jackings, assaults, muggings and break-ins in recent weeks.

He said the issue of the flats would be raised at a meeting between Sinn Féin and the PSNI on Thursday.

A spokesman for the Housing Executive said: "Our staff members discovered items dumped in a communal hallway at Ross Road flats.

"This matter was not reported to us but was discovered by our staff as part of a regular inspection process. A front door entry system had been destroyed and a metal door at the front of the building had been damaged to the point it was off its hinges. Work is underway to secure the flats".

He added: "We immediately met with the PSNI, Council and community representatives yesterday and further discussions will take place this week."