Dingwall flats dubbed ‘house of horrors’ amid ‘multiple’ police callouts over antisocial behaviour, drugs, and violence claims as Cllr Sean Kennedy fears for resident’s safety
CONCERNS about shocking antisocial behaviour within a Dingwall accommodation block whose residents include young children has sparked a no-nonsense action call from an angry local councillor.
Dubbed by one as “a house of horrors”, the concerns centre around a small minority of residents accused of severe antisocial behaviour ranging from drug-taking and violence to wilful destruction of property.
The claims centre on Ross Buildings on the town’s Mart Road - scene of a recent incident when a man was hospitalised after an apparent fall from an upper floor and a locus to which police have been called out “multiple times”.
Posts on social media and first-hand reports from locals in the town support claims that some residents of the building are living in fear, with Highland Council being accused of inaction.
Such is the problem that fears are growing for not just the well-being but also the safety of residents of the block - particularly vulnerable children. Highland Council this week refused to answer specific questions put to them.
Councillor Sean Kennedy branded the situation an “absolute disgrace,” adding: “I would seriously question if it is in any way acceptable to allow things to degenerate to this level – particularly near children.”
The multiple allegations include:
• Violence - with one video showing a man armed with a hammer repeatedly trying to gain access to a flat
• One resident armed himself with a homemade spear with a knife attached to a broom handle
• Repeated, loud music and violent arguments
• People loitering in corridors apparently under the influence of drugs
• Dog fouling inside the building
• Fire alarm systems left inoperable after being damaged
• Severe deterioration of public areas including the back garden
These claims were put to Highland Council - including the accusation that it has taken no action to deal with the problems.
We asked the council to comment on the alleged behaviour; the risk to residents particularly children; whether it is council policy to tolerate such behaviour around children and if the council is guilty of inaction.
We also asked if fire alarm systems being inoperable for an extended period of time is acceptable; as well as the cost to repair damaged parts of the building and cleaning up the corridors or outside areas.
A spokesperson said: “All reports of antisocial behaviour cases are taken seriously, investigated with appropriate action taken, and the council endeavours to keep complainant(s) informed of progress with the case in a reasonable timescale.
“Any concerns regarding criminal activities should be reported to the Police on 101 or 999 if it is an emergency”.
It then offered advice on who to contact if a “child is at immediate risk of harm” (police) and if a child “may be at risk of harm” to contact the Highland Child Protection Committee.
Police Scotland confirmed that: "Officers have attended a block of flats in Mart Road, Dingwall multiple times in the past 12 months following reports of various offences including antisocial behaviour and noise complaints.
"We are working with Highland Council to tackle the issue.”
Cllr Sean Kennedy said: “I have been absolutely shocked by what I have heard about that block of flats. It is an absolute disgrace and things are getting worse leading to the police being called out so many times.
“There has been dog fouling, fighting, graffiti, I heard the fire alarms were not working for a long time, and on top of that we had a man hospitalised after a fall from an upper floor at the start of the month.
“First, I know there are children living there and those children should not be exposed to any of the behaviour that I have been told about – and nor should any of the adults there either.
“Second, those flats are almost brand new, they were a fantastic addition to Dingwall, they removed unused eyesore buildings and replaced them with much-needed homes – their current condition is repulsive, disgusting.
“Third, there are serious questions to be asked about who gets housed near children. Everyone deserves a home but children can and must be kept safe from danger.
“I cannot tell you how angry I am about this and there is no chance that I am not going to let this rest.”
