SQUATTERS can be heard moving around in the roof of a Walthamstow block of flats, a tenant has claimed.

Aydan Ulugun, 30, a decorator of Stocksfield Road, claims she can hear footsteps in the cavity above her flat, which is maintained by Ascham Homes, and believes someone may have gained access to the loft.

She said: “I hear them late at night, between about one and five in the morning. It’s causing me a lot of stress.”

Miss Ulugun, who lives with her mother and brother, said the problem had been going on for more than a year but nothing had been done by Ascham Homes, despite repeated calls.

“A caretaker came and found human faeces up there,” she said.

“I’ve gone to the complaints department but they’re just not doing anything.”

She added that a metal grate in the roof had been bent back in an apparent attempt to increase air flow, which allowed pigeons into the roof and that their droppings were attracting flies.

“There must be a year’s worth of droppings up there that have not been cleaned. I’ve got so many flies now - they’re laying eggs that are turning into maggots in our kitchen,” she said.

Miss Ulugun said the squatters are directly above her flat and are unlikely to be heard by her neighbours.

Following Guardian enquiries Ascham Homes workers visited the flat to remove the flies’ eggs.

Repair work is also to be carried out to secure the loft area after a security gate was found unlocked.

An Ascham Homes spokeswoman said a caretaker had inspected the loft, but found none of the usual evidence of squatting, such as litter or personal effects.

She said: "“There is some old furniture in the space, but we believe this may have been stored in the loft cavity for some time.

“A chain and padlock has been fitted to the broken gate, and a full repair will be made as soon as possible.

"Ascham Homes will continue to monitor the situation and keep in contact with Miss Ulugun to listen to any concerns she may have.”