Intruders, drug-taking and human waste are some of the issues tenants of a Sheffield apartment block have claimed are making them feel unsafe in their homes.

Since last November, some residents of Queen’s House claim to have seen a constant cycle of homeless people unlawfully entering the building.

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

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

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

In subsequent weeks, some residents claim intruders were found in various shared areas of the building. In these places, residents again found discarded needles, as well as cigarette butts and even cups of urine.

Most recently, some residents have witnessed these individuals successfully managing to pry open the main door to gain access.

More recently, they claim to have witnessed individuals successfully managing to pry open the main door to gain access.

This has left some of them, especially women, saying they are fearful for their own safety.

One female resident has lived in the building for the past two years and 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 to remove them.

Katerina, 26, said she has been made to feel so threatened that she and her female flatmate have felt forced to temporarily leave their flat while still paying full rent.

Katerina said she has contacted the new management, but described the responses she received as “vague”.

She said: “Instead of trying to do the best for the building, they don’t even do the bare minimum.

“Do something, do the best that you can – that’s what we deserve.”

Since January 28, the building has also seen the fire brigade called out three times, with smoking indoors by the intruders being blamed.

On the final occasion, when the fire brigade entered the building, they reported that 11 of these individuals 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.”