Residents at a West Lothian sheltered housing complex are "living in fear" due to alleged drug abuse, antisocial behaviour and fights, according to reports.
Almondell Court in Broxburn has been plagued with issues for over a year, with residents saying it is "no longer a safe and supportive environment."
Residents' fears and incidents
Sammi Stainsby, who has family living at the complex, said residents are "feeling increasingly vulnerable and unsafe." She claimed police were called to the building eight times in a 24-hour period, with doors now locked at all times.
Residents have complained of individuals attempting to enter, intimidating behaviour, constant disturbances, and people found "unconscious or under the influence." One fight was caught on camera, and some residents in their 90s have been left "unable to sleep and suffering with anxiety."
In June, Stainsby's grandmother woke to find her room filled with smoke. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended, and the fire allegedly started in the flat below, occupied by an individual linked to the problems.
Stainsby told Edinburgh Live: "I've got two family members in there. They've been there for over two years, so I'm quite friendly with a lot of the residents. The issues have been going on for about a year and a half. I've seen dodgy people hanging around, drug deals, fights, it all. There was a fight taking place in the corridors once and a wee old man was knocked into. He's been there 12 years, but he packed up and went to stay with his daughter. On Saturday, I saw someone passed out outside."
She added: "They run a wee social club and put out cakes and pizza things, and all the food gets stolen. I know it's not a lot, but these elderly folk don't have a lot of money. A few weeks ago my gran woke up and her bedroom was filled with smoke. She got a massive fright, the fire brigade came out and they went into the flat downstairs. Residents are just terrified. It's absolutely sickening. I don't know what needs to happen for Bield to do something."
Official responses
A spokesperson for Bield, the housing provider, said: "Tenant safety and security is our primary focus, and we take any concerns about anti-social behaviour very seriously. We are aware of reports of anti-social behaviour at Almondell Court in Broxburn over the weekend of 7-9th August and an investigation into the matters raised is ongoing. We are unable to comment on individual cases, but any reports of anti-social behaviour are taken seriously and are assessed and investigated in line with our policies and procedures. We recognise the significant impact that anti-social behaviour can have on tenants and the wider community. We are actively engaging with partner agencies to gather information, support affected tenants and take any appropriate actions."
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were alerted at 12.17am on Monday, 8 June, to reports of a dwelling fire on Almondell Court, Broxburn. Operations Control mobilised two fire appliances to the scene, however a small fire within a kitchen had been extinguished prior to their arrival. There were no casualties and crews left the scene at 12.45am after ensuring the area was made safe."
Police Scotland said: "Officers have attended a number of recent reports concerning disorder at a property on Almondell Road in Broxburn. Around 7.40pm on Friday, 7 August, 2026, we were called to a report of a man seriously injured at the address. Emergency services attended and a 34-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment. Another 34-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection and is due to appear in Livingston Sheriff Court at a later date. Enquiries are ongoing into the other reports of disorder. Patrols have been increased in the area, and we are working with partner agencies to address concerns."
In a separate incident, Police Scotland said: "Around 10.35pm on Saturday, 25 April, 2026, we were called to a report of potential drug offences at an address on Almondell Road in Broxburn. Officers attended and a 34-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with an outstanding warrant."
