Frightened residents say they are too scared to take the stairs in a block of flats where cannabis-smoking vandals are running riot.

Housing association Moat says it is launching a review of security at Stanhope Court in Ashford amid numerous reports of anti-social behaviour.

Stef Webster, 38, has been living in the Stanhope Road building for four years and has been reporting incidents ever since she moved in.

She is now calling on neighbours to flag any disruption after vandals removed a key fob sensor at the entrance, breaking the site's security system.

"We've had broken glass everywhere and there was even blood on the walls and in the lift," Miss Webster told KentOnline.

“Usually I take the stairs but I now use the lift because I felt too uncomfortable going past a group of people blocking the stairs.

"I am now a bit scared to go to my own flat, which is ridiculous.”

Miss Webster says she initially raised the issues with Moat but has now started reporting the vandalism to police.

"I pay £228 per month and an excess of about £500 a year as the costs are higher than the estimates due to the damages and repairs,” she added.

“It’s depressing and has got to stop. I’m embarrassed to invite my friends over.

“We need police here and better CCTV. Almost every time I open my front door it smells of cannabis. I put the extractor fan on in my bathroom once and then my whole flat smelt of it.”

Ian Bugden, 58, has lived in Stanhope Court for 10 years and says he has been complaining to Moat since he arrived.

He believes the vandalism has been getting out of hand in the last year but says nothing has ever been done.

“About four years into my tenancy Moat decided to get cameras fitted but I didn’t think this was the solution," he said.

“I suggested getting a part-time security guard to be at the block at peak times like in the evening, on weekends and in the school holidays, but they said no because of the cost.

“They always come back to the cost of it, but with the price of the cameras and the amount spent on repairs, that would more than cover a part-time security guard.

"My mother was over for Christmas and it’s embarrassing having to walk her through the hallway which is full of rubbish, beer sprayed on the wall - and people have urinated on the carpet.”

Hayley, who has lived in Stanhope Court for two years, says she is constantly having to check for broken glass on the floor so her five-year-old son does not get hurt.

“It started as litter, then doors would be broken and now fire exits are being blocked, which is so dangerous,” she said.

"I’ve had to pick my boy up so he doesn’t step on broken glass. Sometimes teenagers will press people’s buzzers constantly to get let in.

"I’m sure it annoys everyone else as well because we have to pay a service charge out of their rent every month, which not everyone can afford considering the cost of living.

“A lot of people are very upset, angry and concerned about it."

In response, Anne Brighton, director of neighbourhoods at Moat, says the company is "working closely with police" to identify and prosecute the vandals.

"The actions of these vandals are not fair to our customers who deserve to live in peace and safety," she said.

“We've installed CCTV cameras in the block, shared footage and information with the police, and engaged with customers and local schools to help in identifying the perpetrators.

“Kent Police has also increased their patrols in the area.

“We share our customers' frustration at the ongoing problem and the impact it is having on their lives.

“As well as repairing vandalised areas of the building next week, we’ll be working with our local partners to review the security of the building and any additional enforcement or preventative measures we can take.”

A Kent Police spokesperson says the force is aware of reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage at Stanhope Court.

They added: “Investigating officers, together with the beat officer for Stanhope, are working closely with the owners and residents of the building while enquiries into the alleged incidents are carried out.”