A TENANT is calling for action to address ongoing concerns over cleanliness at a Scottish Borders Housing Association property.

The resident, who we have agreed not to name, had previously complained about piles of rubbish being left in the communal walkways and stairwells at Bannerfield in Selkirk.

In her initial reports last year, the woman asked the housing association to give the building a deep clean – something she believes has not happened.

Following subsequent issues with rubbish in hallways, the main door being propped open with a wooden pallet and a glass pane in the main door being smashed, the tenant has called on SBHA to again consider a deep clean of the property.

An SBHA spokesperson said: "The safety, cleanliness and security of our residents are important to us.

"We are committed to working collaboratively with residents to create and maintain safe and comfortable living environments and where any issue arises regarding cleanliness of a communal stairwell, we engage with the residents to address this.

"This includes reminding them of their responsibilities and the importance of keeping the common areas clean and clear.

"In the event that a resident is unable to meet their responsibilities, we will work with them to find a solution.

"We are aware of an issue raised in Bannerfield and have already taken steps to address this.

"We have increased our visits to ensure that the stairwell is kept to an acceptable standard of cleanliness and are actively communicating with residents, reminding them to refrain from propping open the communal access door, and have removed any obstructions at our visits."

As previously reported in October and November of last year, SBHA requires residents to clean and maintain communal walkways and stairwells themselves.

However, the housing association agreed to deep clean the building following the resident's complaints.

In November 2023 an SBHA spokesperson said: "While the cleaning of communal stairwells is the shared responsibility of residents living in the block, we carried out a thorough clean to the stairwell last week and are working with the residents to ensure that they uphold their responsibility to keep the area clean and clear at all times to provide a clean environment for all."

Due to health issues, the resident said she is unable to contribute to the cleaning of communal spaces.

But the spokesperson added: "The option to introduce a stair cleaning service is currently being explored with residents, the costs of which will be shared amongst the residents if agreement is reached.

"We remain committed to working with residents to ensure that everyone plays their role in maintaining pleasant living environments."