Dear Councillor Saima Ashraf,

We are writing on behalf of the Prioress House Tenants’ and Residents’ Association to raise our serious and growing concerns about the escalating levels of visible drug use, rough sleeping and associated street activity in Barking.

Some of our residents have previously had the opportunity to meet you at Prioress House during one of our resident events, when our neighbour, Carole Pluckrose, kindly introduced you to members of our community.

Over recent months, residents have become increasingly concerned about activity taking place on a daily basis in and around Barking Station, Wakering Road, Church Road, Tanner Street, Victoria Road, the entrance to Barking Park and Loxford Road (IG11 8SD). These issues are having a significant impact on residents’ sense of safety and on the wider environment in which our families and children live.

Of particular concern was a serious incident at Prioress House this weekend. A woman who appeared to be under the influence of substances gained access to the development through the security gate as it was closing. She was subsequently found within the courtyard by children who were playing outside. Residents understand that she was taking substances and, according to the children present, began chasing them. An adult resident intervened and asked her to leave.

This incident has understandably caused considerable concern among parents and residents. Children should be able to play safely within the gated grounds of their own homes without being exposed to drug use or being placed in a situation where they feel threatened or frightened.

We have also attached a photograph, forwarded to a resident, showing two individuals sleeping on a mattress on Loxford Road at approximately 4pm on Sunday 16 August. The mattress has subsequently been reported to the Council as fly-tipping.

In addition, we have a video (which we can forward onto you) showing the view from Prioress House towards the external area where individuals experiencing homelessness have regularly been sleeping. We understand that this land is owned by Barking and Dagenham Council and is managed by Emma Sanders’ team. Concerns about the security and use of this area have been raised with the Council over a number of years, yet residents have seen no permanent solution put in place.

We recognise that homelessness and substance dependency are complex issues and that individuals affected require appropriate support. However, this must be balanced with the Council’s responsibility to ensure that residential areas and public spaces remain safe for the wider community, particularly children and vulnerable residents.

Residents should not have to regularly witness open drug use, feel intimidated when walking to local shops or public transport, or worry about individuals gaining unauthorised access to their residential development. The frequency and visibility of these issues have reached a point where residents feel that urgent and coordinated intervention is required.

We are therefore asking the Council to work closely with the Safer Neighbourhood Team and relevant Council services to:

- Increase visible patrols and enforcement activity in the affected areas, particularly around Prioress House, Loxford Road and the routes towards Barking Station.
- Address persistent drug-related and antisocial behaviour and take appropriate action where necessary.
- Engage relevant outreach and support services, including St Luke’s Service (Change Grow Live), StreetLink and Subwize, so that individuals can be offered appropriate assistance.
- Urgently review the security of the Council-owned external area adjoining Prioress House and implement measures to prevent continued unauthorised access and rough sleeping.
- Review whether additional security or preventative measures are required around Prioress House and the surrounding residential area.
- Provide residents with a clear, coordinated action plan setting out what measures will be taken and which Council teams or partner agencies will be responsible.

This letter reflects concerns shared by a significant number of residents. We have therefore attached a list of signatures from fellow residents who wish to formally support the concerns and requests outlined in this letter. These signatures demonstrate that this is not an isolated complaint, but a wider community concern about safety and the deterioration of the local environment.

We would be grateful if you could raise these matters urgently with the appropriate Council departments, community safety teams and policing partners and provide us with a formal response outlining the actions that will now be taken.

Most importantly, residents would like reassurance that tangible and lasting measures will be implemented rather than the issues continuing to be addressed only on an incident-by-incident basis.

We look forward to hearing from you and would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and relevant Council representatives at Prioress House to discuss these concerns and possible solutions.

Yours sincerely,

Prioress House Tenants’ and Residents’ Association

On behalf of the residents of Prioress House and the surrounding community

Attachments:

1. Resident signatures in support of this letter
2. Photograph – Loxford Road, Sunday 16 August