Nuisance neighbour removed

Neighbours at the block in Thornhill were subjected to constant criminality including violent and abusive behaviour both from the tenant and his frequent visitors who used drugs inside and outside the property and made loud noise day and night.

It was a totally unacceptable situation and so we worked closely with Hampshire Police to apply for a court order to close up the property and start eviction proceedings.

The court granted a three-month closure order, making it illegal for anyone to visit or enter the property during this time (excluding those who have a lawful reason to go inside such as council staff or police officers). When the closure order was served, the tenant was forced to move out and find his own accommodation – he is not eligible to apply for social housing. Neither he nor anyone associated with his illegal and antisocial activities can enter the flat, meaning peace has been restored to the community and neighbours can once again feel safe without the threat of intimidation.

At the same time as granting the closure order the court also approved a notice of seeking possession, which is the first step we take in eviction proceedings against those who breach their Tenancy Agreement. Evicting troublemakers and denying much-needed council housing to those who act antisocially and disrupt the lives of local communities shows that we do not tolerate this behaviour.

While the closure order is in place we are working to end the tenancy and take back possession of the property. This means that when the property is opened up again after three months, we will be able to go in to carry out any necessary repairs and make it ready for a new tenant. The flat will then be reallocated to someone in genuine housing need.