Anti-social behaviour lands Teignbridge tenant in court

Tuesday, 01 September 2009 00:00

After years of making life a misery for her neighbours, a Teign Housing tenant appeared at Exeter County Court to be told that she must leave her home of 13 years because of her and her family's anti-social behaviour.

Previously, a judge at the Torquay & Newton Abbot County Court heard that the tenant had breached the terms of her tenancy agreement by intimidating and abusing her neighbours, dominating the communal garden with her children's toys and general clutter, having noisy parties and playing loud house music. The court was also told that positive drugs warrants had been executed at the property, and that the tenant had a stream of visitors arriving in cars throughout the day and night.

Supported by evidence from local residents, Teign Housing employees and the police, the family was subject to a court order which has the effect of evicting them from their home within 28 days.

Teign Housing, who worked with Tozers LLP solicitors to bring this case to court, were satisfied with the outcome and Anti-social Behaviour Officer Richard Thompson said: "Taking possession proceedings is the very last resort and not something Teign Housing undertakes lightly or with any pleasure. We would much rather see families remain in their homes. However, we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour in our community and will take action against those who cause distress to their neighbours. We are extremely grateful to the local residents for coming forward in this case and supporting the court proceedings. It was an incredibly courageous thing to do. We would like to encourage more people to get in touch with us if they have a similar problem."