SECURITY guards have stopped alcoholics and drug users from blighting a Huddersfield block of flats.
And the move has been welcomed by the flats’ oldest resident, 100-year-old Hilda Carter.
She said living in Buxton House in Huddersfield town centre is easier now security has been increased.
In August the Examiner reported that alcoholics and drug addicts were sneaking in to the block of flats by ‘tailgating’ in behind residents.
They then made a mess on the walls and lifts, according to a report by Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing (KNH) which runs the 12-storey block.
Hilda, who has lived in Buxton House for 41 years, had to use the filthy lift every time she left Buxton House.
But last month KNH installed a new door to make tailgating harder.
It also spent £2,800 on security guards to patrol the area for four weeks to discourage addicts and rough sleepers from gathering at the flats.
Hilda believes the spending has made a difference.
“I think things have improved,” she said. “The lift has been a lot cleaner in the last three weeks and I don’t think there’s anyone sleeping on the landings.
“I’m happy things are getting better because those people were spoiling things.”
Clr Graham Simpson, who represents the area on Kirklees Council, welcomed the extra security.
The Newsome Green councillor said: “The extra security measures have stopped people tailgating into the flats.
“It’s totally changed the situation. People who were thinking of leaving now feel like they can stay.”
