Home   Sheerness   News   Article

Disabled Simon Allen, from Sheerness, says yobs are making his life miserable

A disabled man says yobs are making his life a misery to such an extent he needs to move house.

Simon Allen also says housing association AmicusHorizon is slow in reacting to his continual complaints about certain tenants and the fact his house is no longer suitable for his needs.

The former window cleaner said he and other residents in Rule Court, Sheerness, have complained about troublemakers, burglars and drug dealers blighting their lives over recent months.

Simon Allen says yobs are making his life a misery
Simon Allen says yobs are making his life a misery

The 48-year-old, who suffered a severe spinal injury after falling from a ladder 14 months ago, said yobs had not only confronted him in the street but also knocked on his door and asked to buy his epilepsy medication from him.

Then, three-and-a-half weeks ago, they smashed his bathroom window and a number of his personal ornaments that were inside.

He said: “The noise is constant and it gets worse as the day goes on. It’s terrible.

“People are ringing the doorbell late at night and there are dozens of beer cans and rubbish out the back of the property as well.

“The list is endless and I just feel powerless.

“When you are in a wheelchair you haven’t got the mobility to do anything to stop it from happening to you when it does.

"The noise is constant and it gets worse as the day goes on. It’s terrible" - Simon Allen

“We need more police patrols in the area during the late afternoons and evenings.

“I need to move on medical grounds and welfare grounds; it’s making my life a misery.”

Mr Allen, who has been living there for 15 years, said the accommodation is insufficient now that he is reliant on a wheelchair or other aid to go about his everyday life.

“There is not enough room to get my wheelchair through the doors and manoeuvre it around the flat,” he said.

“So, not only do I not feel safe here, it’s not suitable for my needs anymore and something needs to be done.

“I need accommodation that is more wheelchair-friendly.

“I can’t use the front door of the property here because it has steps, so I have to use the back entrance, which is very dark of a night.”

Mr Allen has contacted Cllr Angela Harrison, who represents Sheerness, and MP Gordon Henderson.

Glass on the floor outside Mr Allen's property
Glass on the floor outside Mr Allen's property

“I got in touch with them both about my problems and they said they would look into it for me,” he said.

“This time last year, I couldn’t move at all. I am lucky to be alive after my accident.

“I have to have physiotherapy every day and I have to practise walking around the court, but I won’t go outside if I know certain tenants are home.

“Why should I have to worry whether they have gone out or not? It’s just not fair.”

Eileen Martin, regional director for Kent at AmicusHorizon, said the association had spoken to Mr Allen in October to discuss the suitability of his property.

Mr Allen's window was smashed in and his home was broken into
Mr Allen's window was smashed in and his home was broken into

She said: “We discussed helping Mr Allen submit an application to transfer to another property but he didn’t wish to do so at the time.

“We understand he has now changed his mind and we’ll do all we can to support him.

“One of our housing officers was due to visit Mr Allen on Thursday to help him with his transfer application.”

“Mr Allen has the option to apply to Swale council, who would then decide if he’s eligible to move.

Beer cans and rubbish at the back of Mr Allen's home
Beer cans and rubbish at the back of Mr Allen's home

“He’s also registered for a mutual exchange – this is an opportunity to swap homes with another tenant. We’re happy to help and will discuss both options when we meet with Mr Allen on Thursday.

“Meanwhile, we are working closely with Kent Police to see what support we can jointly offer Mr Allen.”

Police confirmed they were called to investigate a burglary at Mr Allen’s flat between noon on Thursday, November 24, and 6pm on Sunday, November 27.

A spokesman said: “A window appeared to have been smashed from the inside but nothing was reported stolen.”

Anyone with information can call 01795 419119, quoting reference XY/47505/16.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More