'It's positive, it's not perfect, but I don't think we will ever get it perfect' - that's the view of the local councillor on the current situation at a problem block of flats.
In July 2018, a petition was presented to Northumberland County Council by those living near Riversdale House, in Stakeford, where it was reported that drugs were rife and older people were scared to sit in their gardens due to the constant police presence in the area.
Members of the Castle Morpeth Local Area Council also heard that empty apartments were left open to vermin with the area around used as a dog toilet with fly-tipped waste and soiled sanitary products strewn around.
Residents said they were at the end of their tether after 30 years of problems and called on the local authority to take action.
An update 12 months on, to July's meeting of the local area council, claimed that a number of improvements had been made, but around 10 residents in attendance did not share these views.
At Monday's (September 16) meeting of the committee, the local authority's head of housing and public protection, Phil Soderquest, addressed the five main issues raised by neighbours last time round and assured councillors that progress was being made.
In terms of the council doing more than it already is, which includes working with police and the primary agents for the properties, he said: "Is it unique in Northumberland? Unfortunately not.
"Northumberland County Council and the police cannot be responsible for the behaviour of every tenant, but we will do our best to deal with incidents."
Coun Julie Foster, the ward member for Stakeford, who was not at the previous meeting, said: "We have gone from a very bad situation to where we are now. It has seen a lot of improvement.
"Thanks to this council for supporting me and the officers to go ahead and really get something done.
"It's positive, it's not perfect, but I don't think we will ever get it perfect.
"I will not be taking my eye off the ball on this and I will be pushing for the multi-agency meetings to continue, maybe at less frequency though."
Members agreed that there should be another report back to the local area council in six months' time.
