A STRESSED-OUT resident of a shared house in York is calling for improved security after a man was taken to hospital following an apparent drugs overdose.

John Doherty, an Ulsterman who fled the troubles in Ireland for York, is now struggling against his own troubles in a house he describes as "Nightmare on Elm Street" because of drug users constantly coming in and out.

The problem has reached such levels over the past three weeks that Mr Doherty has started staying with his girlfriend. He was disgusted when he received a note from his landlord informing him of the weekend's events.

The city centre property is owned by the Peasholme Centre as part of its shared housing scheme to put single homeless people on the path to finding permanent accommodation.

The letter, from project co-ordinator Dave Knowles, was sent to all six residents. It said: "I have been informed from more than one source that there was a non-resident found lying on the bathroom floor at the weekend due to an overdose of heroin.

"I have been told there have been a large number of known heroin users who have been turning up at the property and disturbing tenants.

"If this continues I will take it as an indication that the supply of illegal drugs may be taking place at the property and I will inform the drug squad."

Mr Doherty, who suffers from depression and stress, and is unable to work because of a leg injury, is calling for a full review of security.

He said: "I normally look after my four kids on Saturdays but for the last couple of weeks I haven't because I'm worried about their safety.

"My girlfriend won't come and stay any more because she once found the bathroom sink full of blood.

"In the last three weeks I've hardly had any sleep because of people coming up and down the stairs throughout the night.

"I condemn drugs at all times and I've complained about it three times and nothing has been done."

Mr Knowles said: "One of the things that came to my attention was that the front door wasn't always locked despite the fact that the catch has been removed from the Yale lock to make sure it can't be left open.

"This is something we will look into.

"We are very clear about the fact we don't accept drug use on our premises.

"We would serve notice on anyone we had evidence was doing this and, if necessary, take them to court."