A FATHER says he is desperate to move his family away from a block of flats he claims has been taken over by drug dealers.

Nassar Ali has been in the property in Maidenburgh Street, Colchester, for two years and says pushers are exploiting another tenant and using their home as a base for dealing.

The 24-year-old says he is constantly threatened, hears shouting and screaming at all hours and has even had to block up his own letterbox because people shout and even spit through it.

Mr Ali said: “The police are here all the time. We call them or Colchester Borough Homes every other day.

“I have got a young child who is only three and I don’t want them growing up here. It is awful.” Mr Ali believes the dealers are able to gain easy access to the flats because the communal door does not lock.

“We have complained to the council so many times about it but it has never been fixed.

“The dealers broke it themselves so they can all get in and out.

“At different times there can be 12 people up there.

“One of our neighbours is genuinely scared to come out of her flat to go shopping.

“We need to move out as soon as possible.

“It has been going on for too long now.”

A spokesman for Colchester Borough Homes said: “Our antisocial behaviour team is working with Essex Police to address the issues raised.

“We take all reports of antisocial behaviour seriously and will work with a range of partners to resolve issues when they are reported to us. While we have received previous complaints from the tenant and taken appropriate action within our agreed service standard times, we do rely on continued cooperation to be able to bring them to a satisfactory conclusion.

“Any tenant who is affected by antisocial behaviour should call our customer services line on 01206 282514 or report it via email at asb@cbhomes.org.uk.

“If there are any immediate safety concerns, please call 101 or 999 in an emergency.”