A Nottingham mum says she has nowhere left to turn because her neighbours smokes so much cannabis the smell is seeping into her flat. The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, has been living in her Nottingham City Council flat in Bestwood Park for 15 years.

She claims that the neighbour directly below her smokes so much cannabis, the smell gets into her flat, leaving her fearful about her and her two-year-old daughter’s health. After complaining to the council and the police numerous times, the mum says the two authorities are passing the responsibility between each other.

She said: “The council told me to speak to the police but the police told me they can only intervene if somebody’s selling or growing cannabis. Since when is smoking cannabis not illegal?

“They then told me they can’t enter someone’s property without a warrant and that the council doesn’t need that as landlord so I should go to them. Neither are willing to help and say it’s the other party that should do something while we have to smell cannabis smoke every day.

“They’re leaving me and my daughter to inhale these toxins day in, day out, putting our lives and health at risk.” The mum explained that, due to the strength of the smell, opening the windows and doors doesn’t improve the situation.

She added that the smell can be so strong at times, she is woken up by it in the middle of the night. She said: “The tenant before him smoked as well so I’ve always had to deal with second hand smoke.

“I complained back then as well but to no avail. It’s a very sad situation. I’m really upset about it because I’m just thinking about my daughter’s health. It’s constant, it’s every day, morning, noon and night.

“I’ve made endless complaints. It’s so unfair. I don’t want to punish him, I don’t really know him at all. I just don’t want my daughter to be subjected to this.”

The mum said the situation has left her in tears. She said: “The smell gets on our clothes, on my washing. If you enter the property, nine times out of 10 you can smell it. I’m doing everything I can, going out, opening the windows.

“There are days when I’m in tears, it’s quite depressing because you go to the people who are supposed to look after you and nothing is done. You feel like there’s nobody you can turn to and nowhere to go for help. I feel hopeless. I’m worried and anxious about our health if we won’t be able to leave this property.”

Nottingham City Council says it can’t stop residents smoking in their own homes. A spokesperson for the authority said: “We are aware and understanding of the tenant’s concerns, and have visited her in her home to discuss them and look at options such as a mutual exchange, which is where tenants swap homes by mutual agreement.

“However, we are unable to stop residents smoking in their own homes. If the police find any evidence of illegal drug use at the address below the tenant’s home, then we will of course take robust tenancy enforcement action based on those findings.”

Nottinghamshire Live has approached Nottinghamshire Police for comment but has not received a response in time for publication. According to the NHS, second hand smoke is “dangerous, especially for children”.

The NHS website reads: “People who breathe in second hand smoke regularly are more likely to get the same diseases as smokers, including lung cancer and heart disease. And children who live in a smoky house are at higher risk of breathing problems, asthma, and allergies.”