The son of an 85-year-old man living in a Portadown Fold voiced growing concerns for his father’s safety after he encountered what he described as a “bouncer” at the door of one of the neighbouring flats.
The man – who wished to remain anonymous – told Armagh I that his father has been living at the Carrickblacker Fold on the Gilford Road for the last year-and-a-half without issue.
He frequently attends the property himself to visit with his father and to take care of his laundry.
However, in the last three to four months, he says he is beginning to feel “really worried” about the safety of the property, claiming to have “smelled weed” coming from one of the flats within the complex.
He also says that there have been several “noise complaints” about one particular flat… and now, he claims a “bouncer” had been sent to man the door of the property.
Explained the resident’s son: “I was there to see my dad and do laundry and when I came down the hallway all I could smell was weed. Then I noticed there was a bouncer standing outside this flat. He was all in black and had a name badge on his arm.”
While he was unable to see any company insignia on the uniform to find out who had employed the apparent security person, the man said he did ask him, “What is going on?”
The so-called “bouncer” allegedly replied: “It’s being taken care of.” But the reply did nothing to assuage the man’s concerns.
He said on “numerous” occasions he has arrived at the premises to find police cars in situ and on one occasion he even let police in through the access gate himself.
Adding to his claims, the man says he has also noticed bikes outside the door of the flat in question and believes the resident of the property to be under 55 years-of-age, and therefore, not suitable to Fold-style accommodation.
He said: “Quite a few residents have left the Fold. They told me they have contacted Radius themselves and never heard anything back. It just doesn’t seem right.”
When contacted by Armagh I for comment, a spokesperson for Radius Housing explained that the alleged “bouncer” may have been staff from a security firm employed by Radius who was visiting the site after a complaint was made regarding noise.
Additionally, they commented: “Radius Housing has clear policies relating to anti-social behaviour, and our tenancy agreement sets out what is expected from all tenants.
“Where issues are raised we will investigate and take appropriate action in line with our polices.”
