The Helm, BH8

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The only positive aspect is the good transport links and proximity to local shops and amenities. Beyond that, the area itself is terrible—surrounded by student accommodation and drug rehab centres, making it unsafe, dirty, and extremely noisy. Unless you pay £120 a month for parking, you’re forced to leave your car in the surrounding streets, which are also unsafe, with frequent break-ins. Anti-social behaviour is a constant issue, and the area is covered in litter and dog mess. I really wouldn’t recommend the area.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Little to none as the management constantly leave or get sacked for drug taking

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The extremely bad management of the building and the lifts are constantly broken

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Very good location and nice, it has secure parking, good restaurants and super market, very good experience to live and good view.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

I had a small problem with the window and I reported it and they resolved it very quickly and very well.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

There is no parking for visitors and it is very difficult to find it on the street.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The Helm is located near town, in the middle of the university housing, near a small Tesco and a large Asda. It is also just down the road from the drug rehabilitation housing and a couple of doors down from a pharmacy that is a methadone clinic. There is loud shouting outside every side of the building about 50% of the nights. The streets are populated with undesirables throughout the day. The building next door has also recently had planning permission to become a 20+ story high rise so I’m also waiting for the noise from the demolition to start

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Responses received are - this has been noted, I’ll look into this, it’s on order and will be here in 2 weeks. Nothing is done, despite the consistent issues raised

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I knew how poorly this building is being managed as it has potential. I also wish I knew about the fixed energy supplier charging double the average house hold

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Amazing as a 10 minute walk from the centre of town. Close to lots of shops food and and others short walk from the beach too

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Yes and they have been sorted everyone asked sometimes taken a while but has always been done

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

How expensive it is here and asked to move to a bigger flat a few times which hasn’t happened but these things happen

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Crime and drugs are the worst aspects of the area, significantly impacting the quality of life for residents. The prevalence of drug-related activities has led to increased violence and a general sense of insecurity. Additionally, constant theft has become a pervasive issue, with homes, cars, and personal belongings frequently targeted by thieves. This ongoing problem creates an atmosphere of distrust and anxiety among the community, making it challenging for residents to feel safe. Efforts to address these issues often seem insufficient, further exacerbating the negative impact on the area's overall appeal and livability.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Poorly. The area's issues are inadequately addressed, with minimal effective intervention from local authorities. Residents frequently express frustration over the lack of visible law enforcement and insufficient community support programs. The strategies implemented to combat crime and drug problems often fall short, failing to create a meaningful or lasting impact. This inadequate response leaves many feeling vulnerable and unsupported, eroding trust in the systems meant to protect them. Overall, the handling of these issues is severely lacking, contributing to a decline in the area's safety and quality of life.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

In this area, anything can get stolen, and neither the management nor the police seem to care. Residents often report thefts, only to be met with indifference or minimal action. Personal belongings, vehicles, and even home security systems are not safe from theft. The lack of effective response from both property management and law enforcement leaves residents feeling helpless and frustrated. This apathy contributes to a growing sense of insecurity, as people feel their concerns are ignored and their safety is not a priority for those in charge.