Former security guard William Knox has ignored fears of reprisals to bravely blow the whistle on how people living in the once-quiet Whinhill Court have had to endure an increase in crime, unruly behaviour and late night parties.

Despite facing intimidation William has vowed to continue to take a stand against the handful of people living in the block who are behind the reign of terror.

The 65-year-old found himself accused of assaulting a woman last year as he attempted to set up a neighbourhood watch and alert the authorities to the out-of-control behaviour of neighbours.

The charges against him were later dropped.

William, who is currently waiting for heart surgery, said: “This used to be a lovely place to stay.

“The people are all elderly and I have lived here for about 10 years and I am one of the younger residents.

“I always look after the older folk, going to the shops for a pint of milk or changing a lightbulb — that is the kind of place that it was.

“But that has all changed recently. Elderly people are scared to go down to the bins after 5pm. They have had people coming to their doors and asking for money. It isn’t right. People come and go at all hours of the night and you have all kinds of people wandering round the corridors.” William says he went through a ‘terrible ordeal’ when he was accused of assault.

He said: “I was so relieved when the charges were dropped but the last year has been very hard.

“I have to be careful and I find myself unable to be on my own in Whinhill Court anymore.

“But I will not be scared off.” William, who needs an operation to repair an artery running to his heart, hopes that a recent action plan put in place by housing association River Clyde Homes — who manage the block — and police will finally bring an end to the nightmare situation he and his fellow law-abiding residents face.

He said: “There are now community police officers coming to us and they are absolutely brilliant.

“We are also working with River Clyde Homes, I have been in constant touch with them as well.” Patricia Purdie, partnership and enforcement Officer at the housing association, said: “River Clyde Homes is working closely with its partners in Police Scotland and Inverclyde Council to investigate and address reports of anti-social behaviour, including vandalism and crime.” Greenock police sergeant Laura Stewart said: “We are working closely with River Clyde Homes and Inverclyde Council to deal with incidents of anti social behaviour. We are making sure that our officers are there to reassure residents and tackle any issues.” If anyone has information that can help the police they are encouraged to contact them on 101.