A father living in Small Heath has spoken out about his three-year ordeal with intruders who have taken over the communal areas of his housing block, leaving human waste next to his child's pram and creating an unsafe environment.
Years of Disturbances and Health Hazards
Pishtiwan Sofi, a 36-year-old dad-of-one, has been dealing with this distressing situation at Mount Pleasant Court since 2023. He pays £60 per week in service charges but says his pleas for help have gone largely unanswered.
The problems include rough sleepers forcing their way into the building's hallway, where they charge phones, use heaters, smoke, and shout throughout the night. Mr Sofi, who works in customer service at a home appliance shop, has been kept awake by these disturbances, which typically occur from 10pm until morning.
Most Shocking Discovery
The most alarming incident occurred when Mr Sofi discovered a pile of human excrement placed right next to his daughter's pram in the communal area. Cigarettes and other mess were also left scattered throughout the hallway.
"It's scary, it's unsafe," Mr Sofi explained. "I have a daughter and I do not feel comfortable. Someone did a poo next to her pram and threw a cigarette on it."
Security Concerns and Failed Interventions
The main issue appears to be the building's insecure front door, which allows strangers to enter freely at night. When Mr Sofi has confronted the intruders, some have claimed to have friends living in the building, though this remains unverified.
Despite numerous complaints to both Trident Housing Association and local councillors since 2023, the problems have persisted. Mr Sofi has specifically requested that the housing association secure the door properly and investigate whether residents might be letting people in.
Housing Association Response
Trident Housing has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and apologised for the ongoing problems. They stated they have been working with local police and homeless outreach teams to manage the situation.
Their current measures include:
- Increasing site visits from weekly to daily monitoring
- Undertaking repairs and emergency cleans as needed
- Expanding concierge services to general needs properties
- Working with building care assistants, housing officers, and outreach teams
- Holding regular case review meetings
The housing association emphasised their commitment to resident safety and promised to engage directly with Mr Sofi to provide personal support. They also plan to remind all residents about security protocols and the importance of reporting incidents promptly.
Broader Implications
This case highlights several important issues facing housing association residents:
- The challenge of maintaining secure communal spaces in multi-occupancy buildings
- The intersection of homelessness issues with residential security concerns
- The responsibility of housing providers to respond effectively to resident complaints
- The impact of such situations on families with young children
While Trident Housing has outlined their response strategy, Mr Sofi continues to live with the daily reality of these security breaches and health hazards, hoping for a permanent solution that will restore safety and peace to his home environment.
