A HOUSING management firm has insisted it is aware of “vexatious and abusive” issues and is working hard to tackle them.

South Essex Homes, which manages Leigh’s Yantlet sheltered housing scheme on behalf of Southend Council, has stated it is working with authorities to prevent problems which have seen police called multiple times in recent months.

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Sarah Lander, director of operations at South Essex Homes said: “We have been working closely with local partner agencies including health services, social care, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police to deal with issues at Yantlet.

“We have been following all reasonable processes to support vulnerable residents but have also been taking reparative action where appropriate.

“In one specific case, South Essex Homes had started the legal process to address breaches of conditions of tenancy and a court date was scheduled. However, this was adjourned pending the outcome of a more recent incident at the block.”

Despite recent issues, South Essex Homes has insisted issues are “rare” and tackled accordingly.

Ms Lander added: “There are relatively rare occasions where South Essex Homes must manage excessive, repetitive or vexatious contact from individual residents, but such incidents would not normally also be dealt with as a breach of tenancy conditions.

“However, where the nature of the vexatious behaviour is considered abusive, threatening or causes alarm and distress to staff carrying out their duties, then this could constitute a tenancy breach. In such circumstances, South Essex Homes does not withdraw housing services from any individual tenant, but we may need to adjust how we communicate with them.”

Addressing issues with maintenance of the facilities at Yantlet, Ms Lander said: “South Essex Homes is aware that some residents have had issues with the door entry and community alarm system at the block and we are currently investigating and costing the potential options for works.

“We are also aware of some incidents with people accessing the garden at the block and have been liaising with colleagues in Essex Police and the council’s community safety team to identify individuals and take appropriate action. A multi-agency community safety pop up event was carried out in July at The Elms pub, directly opposite the block, and residents were invited to discuss any concerns with staff from various organisations who supported the event.”