Anti-social behaviour from social housing tennants living in the Heart in Walton is making life hell for people in upmarket flats with whom they share the housing complex.
Homeowners who paid up to £405,000 to live in the flagship Walton development say a decision by Elmbridge Council to also provide social housing in the same complex has back-fired, with their behaviour set to drive people from their homes and slash the values of their properties.
Private homeowners, who do not want to reveal their identities for fear of reprisals, have been spat on and had things thrown at them from social housing tenants.
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Their post boxes were smashed, and drunks and drug-users roam around in their block, in the central courtyard, car park and in the lifts, which have been coated in chewing gum, they claim.
"They are making our life hell," said one resident. "Before they moved in there were no problems at all."
Walton Society leader Chris Saddler said he felt more could have been done to prevent the problems as there is no support office for the housing association A2 on site to control the situation.
He added: "There should be greater control over who is allowed to live there.
"The people who have bought homes in the Heart have every right to expect their neighbours to be up to living in such an important town centre development."
A spokesman for A2 homes said they were taking the complaints very seriously, and following an urgent meeting its managing agent, Campsie, would visit the site once a week.
Police will also have a greater presence on site, and weekly meetings will be held with security staff.
He said council tenants were allocated to the development based on who had the greatest need.
A council spokeswoman said officers were liaising closely with A2 to investigate the nature and extent of the problems, including identification of those responsible, and would look to use the powers at their disposal to take any appropriate action.
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