A YOUNG mum told how she was reported to social services after being wrongly accused of growing cannabis in her flat

Billie Martin, of Gower Chase, Basildon, was informed by her housing association, Swan Housing, and social services, that an anonymous complaint had claimed there was a strong smell of cannabis coming from her home, and she had been siphoning electricity illegally.

Social services were involved as she has a son, three-year-old Louie, and the housing association feared she might be growing cannabis, a Class B drug, in her house.

Growing the drug is punishable by up to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine.

Shocked by the letter, she phoned British Gas, her electricity supplier, who confirmed there was nothing unusual about her electricity use and also said that Swan Housing Association had not been in touch with any concerns.

Miss Martin said: "I just don't understand why if they were that concerned, they didn't go to the police about what they thought I was doing.

"Instead they went straight to social services after an anonymous complaint, without informing me or giving me a chance to show them that I have done nothing wrong.

"They didn't call British Gas either to get them to investigate."

Miss Martin said the letter she received from the housing association left her feeling concerned.

"When I got the letter from Swan Housing I was an absolute wreck," she added.

"It is scary to be accused of something like that.

"I don't do drugs and definitely don't grow them.

"I opened the letter late last Friday, so then I had to go the whole weekend worrying because I couldn't get hold of anyone about it."

After complaining, she received a letter from the housing association, but was angry that it did not contain an apology.

She said: "They admitted they had made mistakes in the way they handled it, but there was not one "sorry".

"They could even have written a half apology like "We are sorry for any inconvenience", but there was nothing.

"I think it is absolutely disgusting the way they have behaved."

A Swan spokesperson said: "Following a number of different reports, Swan tried to visit the resident on two occasions before complying with its obligation to report any allegations that may impact on a child to social care.

"Swan has been in contact with the resident regarding the reasons for taking this course of action.

"Swan has also offered a verbal and written apology for not making more attempts to explain the allegations in the first instance.

"Swan has learnt from the resident’s feedback and is currently in the process of organising a time to meet the resident to discuss the allegations in more detail and ensure she has peace of mind."

Social services declined to comment on an individual case.