A housing association has been criticised for failing to replace the front door on its building for months and instead paying for a dog unit and security guard to be posted outside.

Crystal Court on the corner of Woodville Road has been  plagued by anti social behaviour with street drinkers and drug users regularly gaining access to the flats.

Crystal Court Residents have posted pictures on Twitter of people sleeping on mattresses in the bin area, and human excrement on the floor in the communal corridor.

They say: “We have been without the door for months now.  We still have security guard and the dog, bless them both but this is 21 century. Should we really have them?

“There are signs of drug addicts trying to set fire to the building everywhere.” 

The problems with the property were also raised at the borough commander meeting.

The building operated by Orbit Housing is no more than four-year’s-old and was part of a Mayor for London affordable housing scheme. Residents have frequently complained about the  unkempt state of the property and the pitiful outside green space is routinely fly tipped.

Local residents have expressed how ‘terrified’ their children are and there have been a number of complaints about the management of the property to the council and police who are routinely called to deal with incidents.

The issues with Crystal Court are also linked to the groups of beggars and drinkers gathering around Tesco and the Clock Tower.

Following pressure from residents Cllr Alison Butler,  who is the cabinet member for housing and has written to Mark Hoyland,  chief executive of Orbit Housing, asking for an explanation.

Last year the council’s lettings scheme Croydon Choice advertised a one bedroom flat in Crystal Court  for its housing applicants for £174.24 a week.

A spokesman for Orbit Housing  said: “We take matters of anti-social behaviour very seriously and our dedicated tenancy team is currently working with customers and the authorities regarding these issues.

“We can confirm that delivery of a specialist security door for the front on the block is due to be installed on 17 July. As an interim measure, we have employed a security guard on site until the door is fitted.”