A father is at his wits end and says something needs to be done about the rats, cockroaches and homeless issues in his housing block.

Simon Thomas has lived in the Trident Point in Pinner Road, Harrow, with his four-year-old since January 2015.

He and his neighbours have complained about a rats and cockroaches' infestation, homeless people sleeping in the hallways, lifts breaking down and damage to the building for the past six months. 

Housing company Y & Y Management Ltd, says they are aware of the concerns, but Mr Thomas says the issues are increasing and nothing is being done about it.

Mr Thomas said: “The management needs to do something, there’s at least five flats with cockroach problems, and there’s rats in our block too, and who knows where they’re coming from? Morrisons is just below us, we don’t know if they’re affected too .

“My neighbours and I have been complaining about the lifts getting stuck and the condition of the housing block for the last six months, and we don’t get anywhere. It is a constant battle with the management.

"The lifts are failing on a regular basis, and only recently, I was trapped in one of them with my son. It was only a few minutes but my son doesn’t like walking the stairs to where we live on the fifth floor, it’s so far for him.

"Security is a big issue too, as the back doors are left open and are damaged, they just aren’t being fixed. Homeless people are often sleeping in the hallways, and it’s worrying because we don’t know them."

In 2014, the lifts in the housing block in Pinner Road were named as the top 10 worst across the city, for call outs by the London Fire Brigade.

Fire crews were called to the housing block ten times between August 2013 and September 2014.

READ MORE:  Lifts in Trident Point, Harrow, one of the worst in London

 Lifts in a housing block have been named as among the worst in the capital by the London Fire Brigade.

Adam Azoulay, who works with Propoerty Management for Y & Y Management Ltd , said the lifts had been a problem ever since the company took over from Trident Point.

Mr Azoulay said: "We have been doing everything we can to keep the lifts going but they now need some major works to be fixed fully. We are unable to simply carry out works with Leasehodlers fund, all of which are held in trust without following the correct Section 20 consultation and legislation, this is to protect the leaseholders and a process we are in the middle of.

"We appreciate the residents are being inconvenienced but we have been writing to all owners keeping them abreast of the situation at all times including regular updates.

"We have spoken to the local police about a number of times to try and resolve the homeless issue, as we would like these people to be housed somewhere and not simply put out onto the streets.

"Unfortunately, some of the tenants of this development have a tendency to vandalise certain elements of the building, including the back doors which results in people being able to follow them in and sleep inside the building.

"We continue to have these locks repaired and as and when they become an issue but ultimately if residents wish to vandalise certain elements of the building this can lead to unwanted guests."

Councillor Susan Hall, leader of the Conservative party at Harrow Council said she has been battling to help residents solve the issues at Trident Point.

Cllr Hall said: "It is utterly shameful. It would appear there are inherent problems with this development and it is a disgrace that the housing association will not reasonably co-operate.

"There are many stairs to climb to access the flats. With the lifts constantly breaking; this can only cause stress for the residents. No one should have to experience such discomfort in their own home. It is outrageous that this is particularly affecting the many young children elderly and disabled people living there.

"I feel desperately sorry for the residents. They deserve to have decent living standards, good accessibility and to feel safe. Enough is enough."