Tenants in a city centre apartment block in Sheffield are calling for security to be stepped up, claiming homeless people are gaining entry, taking drugs and using communal areas as a toilet.

Residents of Queen's House on Queen Street claim to have seen a constant cycle of homeless people unlawfully entering their building since last November.

Initially, they would occupy the basement, where residents claim to have found human waste and drug paraphernalia.

However, since a new company, Watson Management Group, took over management of the building in December, some residents claim the situation has deteriorated further.

Inside Queen's House after intruders got inside (Photo: Katerina)

placeholder image — Inside Queen's House after intruders got inside (Photo: Katerina)

They said people began entering the main communal areas after an internal access keypad stopped working.

Intruders were found in various shared areas of the building, where discarded needles, cigarette butts and cups of urine were left behind.

More recently, residents claim to have witnessed individuals successfully managing to prise open the main door to gain access to the building.

Residents are now demanding action, saying they are fearful for their own safety.

Inside Queen's House after a security breach (Photo: Katerina)

One female resident who has lived in the building for the past two years said: "We cannot live like this. I'm really considering moving because it's not safe for me anymore. The situation is out of control.”

She said she has felt so intimidated seeing homeless people taking drugs next to her flat, that several times she has walked out of the building to wait for police officers to arrive to remove them.

Katerina, aged 26, said she and a flatmate feel so unsafe they have temporarily left while still paying full rent.

She has raised the issue with the management company but feels not enough has been done to tackle the security issue.

She said: “Do something, do the best that you can - that's what we deserve.”

Since January 28, firefighters have bene called out to the flats three times, with intruders smoking inside blamed for triggering alarms.

It is reported that on one of those occasions, a group of 11 intruders were found congregating on the fifth floor.

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “That night, I felt anxious, upset, and frustrated - how could the conditions in this building have deteriorated so dramatically in just a few months?

“It is incredibly distressing to feel this way in the place that is supposed to be our sanctuary, yet I live with constant anxiety and the feeling that I cannot safely leave my own home.

“No one should have to live like this.”

Watson Property Management said: “Watson took over the management of Queen’s House in December, and since then we have been working closely with the previous managing agent to obtain full and accurate handover information for the building.

"In parallel, we have been engaging with key stakeholders - including a residents’ group, the developer, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, the police, and the local council - to address the issues currently affecting the development.

“Our priority is to ensure that all residents feel safe in their homes and that the building is managed to the highest possible standard. We are committed to taking the necessary actions, in collaboration with our partners, to resolve the challenges on site and to deliver the best possible experience for residents.

“Protecting the safety, interests, and assets of residents, leaseholders, and our clients is - and will remain - central to Watson’s approach.”