The mum, who wishes to remain anonymous, has said she has reported multiple issues relating to drugs and anti-social behaviour at her Sailortown home
A mum says she is desperate to leave her home which she claims is “full of drugs” after her daughter was taken to hospital after being stuck with a needle playing outside.
The terrified parent, who does not wish to be named, lives in Clanmil Housing Association apartments on Pilot Street in the Sailortown area of North Belfast, and says she has reported anti-social behaviour and drug abuse at the property since she moved in a few years ago.
She also claimed she has regularly found drugs and drugs paraphernalia inside and outside of the building but very little action has been taken to deal with the issue.
Now, following an incident on Sunday, June 21, where her daughter was stuck with a used needle a number of times while playing outside of the apartments, the worried mum says she is desperate to leave for her children’s safety.
She said her daughter was playing with other children while she chatted with their mums when the incident took place. While she says it was a accident that her daughter was stuck with the needle, she claims the rampant unaddressed drug use in the area is the reason there was a needle nearby in the first place.
The mother said: “Since I moved into these apartments there has been problems with drugs and the scary thing is, the place is full of children.
“I have found drugs in the building and even had a crack pipe thrown on to my balcony, but it feels like nothing is ever done to deal with the people causing the problems and it has been going on years.
“Now that this has happened with my daughter I am terrified living in this place, I just need to leave. From Wednesday to Sunday there are issues here and it is constant and the sad thing is the building is full of young children and parents who are trying to live their lives among it all.”
A Clanmil spokesperson said: “At Clanmil we are committed to providing a safe and peaceful environment at all our housing schemes.
“We are investigating recent reports of anti-social behaviour at our apartments in Pilot Street and are aware of an incident involving a needle, which we understand was found on a grass verge on the street across from the apartment block. We have been in contact with the family affected to support them through this distressing event.
“We work closely with the PSNI and the Harbour Police to address any anti-social behaviour including drug taking and we will fully co-operate with them in any investigation. Where there is evidence of a breach of tenancy, we will take robust action against those involved.
“We have staff working on site at the apartments regularly along with out-of-hours security patrols and CCTV.
“We encourage anyone with information about anti-social behaviour to report it to the PSNI, the Harbour Police and to our team so that action can be taken.”
Police have said they are aware of the incident on Piliot Street with Inspector McCullough saying: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances of the incident, and we would appeal to anyone who might have any information which could assist us to get in touch via 101, quoting reference number 789 of 22/06/26.”
He continued: “Officers would also remind those who use needles of the risks to others that they cause by discarding these items so wantonly. Such items can be dangerous, especially to younger children who may not be aware of what they have found.
“Police will continue to use high visibility, targeted patrols and every method at our disposal to disrupt and arrest drug dealers involved in the sale and supply of drugs, and put them before the courts.
“Drug and substance misuse and dealing is a policing priority and police will continue to work with communities and partner agencies to reduce the threat of harmful and illegal activity. Police are asking everyone for their support and co-operation in tackling this problem through the criminal justice system.
“We all have a responsibility to help make where we live safer for everyone. Reporting crimes or incidents that impact on your quality of life helps focus our patrols where they are needed and take positive action. Ring us on 101, or report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.”
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