DEFIANT residents fighting to save a community social area today refuted suggestions of drug taking at the complex.

DEFIANT residents fighting to save a community social area today refuted suggestions of drug taking at the complex.

Those living at Horseman Court in Martlesham Heath said they have received “fantastic support” after protesting against a housing association removing the chairs outside their properties for health and safety reasons.

However, after their plight was revealed earlier this month, The Evening Star received a number of letters claiming there is drug taking at the complex and that some tenants are causing problems.

But Dave Mison, chairman of the Horseman Court Tenants Association, denied the claims, claiming there is a stigma attached to the complex.

He said: “There used to be a drug problem here maybe five or six years ago but there are not problems like that now.

“There is a big stigma with other residents in Martlesham who think that the area is still like that, but it is not. One of the things we are trying to do as a residents association is break that stigma.”

Since the tenants association was formed two years ago, Mr Mison says the area has become a friendlier place. Residents have put seats on the strip of land outside their properties so they can sit and socialise with their neighbours.

Landlord Sanctuary Hereward Housing demanded the tables and chairs were removed at the beginning of the month, although their request has not yet been implemented.

In response, residents have formed a Save Our Seats (SOS) campaign.

Mr Mison said: “The housing association has not been in contact with us since the protest.

“We have been getting some fantastic support from people. We are not giving up and we have got a petition together now.”

A spokesperson for Sanctuary Hereward said: “We are working closely with our residents at Horseman Court to create a more suitable area for them to congregate.

“We actively encourage a sense of community at all our schemes which is why we provided and helped the residents clear an area of land at the scheme last November.

“The land is sited away from the main building and will allow residents to congregate safely and without causing a hindrance to others.

“We are now engaging with our residents to help them develop this area to enable them to relocate their furniture.”

What do you think the right course of action is? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk