Nightmare neighbour evicted (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Anti-social behaviour and suspected drugs activity at South Ham address

11:00am Monday 23rd July 2012 in Local By Helen Morton

A NIGHTMARE neighbour has been evicted from his Basingstoke home following incidents of anti-social behaviour and suspected drugs activity.

The 31-year-old man’s tenancy was ended by Sovereign Housing Associa-tion, which has now taken possession of the Pinkerton Road property.

The association said it became apparent last year that the property was being sub-let to a friend of the tenant, and in November 2011, police found drug paraphernalia and other items indicating criminal activity during a search of the premises.

The property was secured, but was subsequently reoccupied by the tenant, and a police request for a premises closure order was unsuccessful.

Sovereign continued to get numerous complaints from neighbours in the following months, and as a result served a notice requiring possession and seeking an end to an introductory tenancy, which was granted by Basingstoke magistrates. Richard Barnett, housing officer for Sovereign, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to take possession of this property and prevent further anti-social behaviour and harm to the community. These activities were having a seriously detrimental impact on the lives of other residents and we are pleased that this has now been brought to a halt.

“This course of action by Sovereign shows our determination to take firm action against anti-social and illegal activities.

“On this occasion, we worked closely with Hampshire Constabulary and the courts to tackle this particular problem. Even more important was the desire of the other residents to remove this problem from their neighbourhood. “We hope this reinforces the message that if residents tell us about unacceptable behaviour in the homes we provide, we will take determined action to resolve it.”

PC Rich Cousins, anti-social behaviour officer for Hampshire Constabulary, said: “This eviction sends out a clear message that anti-social behaviour and its associated activities will not be tolerated by Hampshire Police and Sovereign Housing. “Hampshire Police will continue to work with partner agencies to ensure that the local community can feel empowered to report such incidents, knowing that positive action will be taken.”