THE Salvation Army has been challenged to tackle a growing problem of anti-social behaviour at one of its social housing complexes after a man was attacked with a knife.

A tenant, who lives in a Salvation Army Housing Association property in Tom Raine Court, Darlington, said there has been an escalating problem with anti-social behaviour, drug taking and violence around the flat complex.

The man, who didn't want to be named, said: "I have complained to the housing association because it appears like they are just letting anyone come in and rent a flat.

"I know they are supposed to give people a second chance, and I don't have a problem with that, but they just don't seem to want to tackle any problems when they are reported.

"There has been loud music at all times, people taking and selling drugs and there has been an increase in violence as well.

"Last weekend we had the police knocking on our doors because someone had been attacked with a knife – we just want them sort out our problems for us."

Darlington and Stockton Times:

A smashed window at the flats complex

A Salvation Army Housing Association spokesman said: “We can confirm that police were called to Tom Raine Court on Sunday to support the management of an incident involving one of our service users.

“Our highly experienced housing officer is available to tenants who have a range of complex needs and works alongside partner agencies to ensure we build strong support links and tackle any unacceptable behaviour in a robust way with tenants.

“We take our residents’ well-being seriously. We have a process in place for anyone to contact our housing officer in confidence to share any tenancy concerns they may have to provide positive outcome for all concerned.”

Durham Police confirmed they were called to deal with an incident.

A spokeswoman said: “Police were called to reports of a disturbance involving two men at Tom Raine Court, Darlington, shortly after midnight on Sunday.

“It is believed one of the men approached the other and inflicted a knife wound to his nose. The victim was taken to hospital with minor injuries. Enquires are ongoing.”