London pensioner living in 'constant terror' from neighbours as council refuses rehousing plea

A vulnerable pensioner says she has been left living in a “constant state of terror” after months of alleged threats, harassment and violence from neighbours, despite repeated pleas to be rehoused.

The woman, who the Local Democracy Reporting Service is identifying as Ms A to protect her identity, says she fears for her safety and no longer feels able to live normally in her Southall flat.

The pensioner, who lives alone and is recovering from a stroke, says she has repeatedly asked Hounslow Council to move her from the property, where she claims neighbours have forced entry, demanded money, stolen medication and smashed her windows.

Ms A, who suffers from severe mobility problems, osteoporosis, chronic pain, PTSD and anxiety, says the situation has become so distressing that she has cancelled hospital appointments and feels unable to leave her home safely.

“I am living on tenterhooks,” she said.

“I can't have my grandchildren or family visit because it isn't safe. I can't use my mobility scooter outside because I fear being rushed or attacked. I have to leave my home at 7am before they wake up.”

Ms A was placed in the property by Hounslow Council after receiving a no-fault eviction notice in 2024. She was initially housed in temporary hotel accommodation before being moved into the one-bedroom flat.

Although the Local Government Ombudsman ruled that she should be rehoused in a two-bedroom property closer to her support network, she remains several bus journeys from family members.

She says the problems began almost immediately after she moved in.

“During my very first week here, the woman living in the flat upstairs knocked on my door claiming she was locked out and needed to use my phone,” Ms A said.

“Once inside, she demanded money for food. I offered her food, but she insisted on cash. She then saw my prescription medication and demanded tablets.

“I eventually gave her two tablets and £10 just to get her out of my flat.”

According to Ms A, the situation escalated over the following weeks.

“She and her friends started constantly harassing me, knocking on my door and banging on my windows at all hours demanding money,” she said. “She shouts racial abuse at me. My daytime carers were terrified of her.”

Ms A says she reported the incidents to Sapphire Housing, her landlord, within weeks of moving in and was advised to contact police.

She alleges parcels were stolen from outside her flat and objects thrown at her windows, incidents she says were captured on video. She also claims one neighbour repeatedly attempted to force his way into her home.

Police have attended the building on numerous occasions, according to Ms A, and she says there are dozens of active crime reference numbers linked to incidents she has reported. Despite this, she says the council has refused requests for an emergency transfer.

“They refuse to do anything,” she said. “The council sent me a letter stating I am ‘okay’ simply because Sapphire Housing and the police are aware of the situation.

“When I told my social worker, she claimed it was outside her jurisdiction because it was a police matter. Sapphire Housing told me I have to deal with the council.”

She added: “The stress has worsened my mobility, caused memory problems and left me trapped inside my flat in a constant state of terror.”

Hounslow Council said it had investigated Ms A's homelessness application, which was based on allegations of anti-social behaviour, but concluded that Sapphire Housing was taking appropriate action.

A council spokesperson said: “This investigation confirmed that Sapphire Housing, as her landlord, are taking necessary steps, and a ‘not homeless’ decision has been issued. At this stage, Sapphire Housing are responsible for investigating the issues raised and taking the appropriate action.”

Sapphire Housing said it had not ignored Ms A's concerns and had begun legal proceedings against the neighbours accused of anti-social behaviour.

A spokesperson said: “We recognise the seriousness of the concerns raised and have taken formal action by commencing legal proceedings.

“The purpose of this action is to address the anti-social behaviour that has affected Ms A and other residents. We are currently awaiting a court hearing date.”

The housing association added that it continued to work with Hounslow Council to explore rehousing options, but said its limited housing stock meant there was currently no suitable property available in Ms A's preferred areas.

“We are sorry for the distress and anxiety that Ms A has experienced and acknowledge that she continues to feel unsafe,” the spokesperson said.

For Ms A, however, the legal process offers little immediate reassurance.

“I fear for my life,” she said. “I just want somewhere safe to live.”