THE MANAGING company of a block of flats reportedly overrun by drug addicts and anti-social behaviour insists it is “taking action” – despite residents claims they are being ignored.

Bosses at South Essex Homes (SEH) – the council-affiliated firm in charge of managing Pennine tower in Southend’s Queensway Estate – say they are working with police to crackdown on crime in the 16-storey block.

Residents claim their appeals for stricter security and enforcement continue to fall on death ears, but SEH insists it is taking the necessary measures to address problems of rampant drug taking.

Anita McGinley, housing community safety manager for SEH, said: “Pennine is covered by our neighbourhood patrol who provide a visible presence during the day and evening.

“Details of any drug activity, or other criminal activity identified during these patrols, along with any relevant ASB reports we receive from residents, are fed into the daily police community safety briefing - where intelligence is gathered in order for the appropriate action to be taken. 

“We work closely with our colleagues in Essex Police and other partners to address anti-social and criminal activity and share intelligence, information and outcomes to assist a multi-agency approach for resolution.”

Read more >> 'A living hell': Residents lift the lid on life at Pennine

Pennine is one of four towers on the Queensway Estate set to be pulled down as part of a £575million regeneration scheme is expected to feature 1,760 new homes on the estate.

The estate, which has dominated Southend’s skyline for more than fifty years, has long been a hotbed of crime and anti-social behaviour.

Between 2011 – 2016, Essex Police attended the estate a total of 1,417 times.

In 2011, when tenant Christopher Ryan, 45, was murdered in his flat, officers were called to the 13-storey towers nearly every day- a total of 358 times throughout the year.

And more recently, on Sunday, August 7 vandals caused thousands of pounds of damage, painting graffiti from the top storey block, all the way to the ground floor.

Ms McGinley added: “We would urge residents to report criminal activity, in confidence, to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111. 

"For reports of ASB, please report to your tenancy officer on 0800 833 160 or find their email address via our website”.