Birmingham Father Endures Two-Year Ordeal as Intruders Occupy Flat Block
For Pishtiwan Sofi, a father-of-one living in Small Heath, Birmingham, his home should be a sanctuary. Instead, it has become a source of constant anxiety and distress over the past two years. Mr Sofi, who resides in Mount Pleasant Court off Mount Pleasant, near a McDonald's, faces a daily battle as groups of homeless individuals and vagrants gather in the ground floor entrance of his flat block, creating what he describes as a hellish living environment.
A Pattern of Disruption and Danger
Since 2023, these intrusions have escalated, with individuals using the communal electricity socket to charge phones and power portable heaters. Residents have reported incidents of fires being started, excessive smoking, loud shouting and screaming, and even the use of carpets as toilets. Mr Sofi, who works in a home appliance shop, has encountered drunken men lying across stairwells or collapsed in front of doors, blocking access to his home.
One particularly alarming incident occurred on November 16, 2023. "I was coming downstairs and found a man lying across the stairwell and he was out of his mind. Maybe he was on drugs and he was slapping his belly," Mr Sofi recounted. "I couldn't get past and wanted to go back to my flat." On another occasion, his wife and crying baby daughter were forced to wait outside in heavy rain for over an hour because an intimidating man was sat on the bottom stairs, blocking their path.
Failed Complaints and a Plea for Safety
Mr Sofi has repeatedly complained to his landlord, Trident Housing Association, over the years, but claims nothing has been done until recently. He pays nearly £670 per month in rent and service charges, plus £120 in council tax, yet feels unsafe in his own home. "A few days ago I came back home and someone was sitting in front of my door," he said. "I want a safe and suitable place for my family." He pointed out scorch marks on the stained carpet, noting that Trident has not changed anything in the communal space during his eight years of residence.
The situation has taken a toll on his family's wellbeing. "They come in at night when we're asleep and scream at each other," he explained. Even a woman from the homeless group expressed sympathy, saying she felt sorry for him and his daughter living there.
Landlord's Response and Action Plan
After Birmingham Live intervened, Trident Housing Association apologised for "any inconvenience or distress caused" and announced an action plan. This includes:
- Emergency repairs and daily visits to the site
- Securing the front entrance door properly
- Expanding the concierge service to monitor access and move on non-residents
- Working with police and homeless outreach teams
- Holding case review meetings to monitor progress
Trident stated: "Trident takes this matter very seriously and has been working with police and homeless outreach teams to manage the situation. We are sorry this situation has still not been resolved." They emphasised their commitment to safety, promising an active daily presence through concierge services, building care assistants, housing officers, and outreach teams.
While these measures offer hope, Mr Sofi's experience highlights broader issues of housing security and resident welfare in Birmingham, underscoring the urgent need for effective solutions to protect families in their homes.
