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Getting tough on nuisance tenants (NCH release)

A Nottingham City Homes tenant operating a scrap metal business from his front garden has been evicted from his home.

Since 2010, Michael Collier of Rushworth Close, St Ann's has been taking metal from the local area - and even from people's bins - in order to weigh it in for cash. He was evicted on 18th May following a joint investigation by Nottingham City Council's Community Protection team and Nottingham City Homes.

A number of local residents gave statements for court as evidence of the effect Mr Collier's actions have had on the local community.

An anonymous resident said:

They've made the place dangerous for months now. They fill dustbins with scrap iron and other rubbish. Their back garden is a scrap yard and they fill up the pavement with bins and bags full of rubbish - it looks a right eyesore.

Another fellow resident added:

The pavement has been filthy with his rubbish - I used to worry about rats because we'd had them before, it was because he throws all his rubbish out in plastic bags and the cats tear them then the rats come to get their share.

Gill Moy, Director of Housing Services, said:

Our customers have made it clear to us that the appearance of their streets affects their quality of life. People with unkempt gardens spoil the look of the area and show no respect for other residents.

It is a tenancy condition that gardens must be maintained to an acceptable standard and we do work with our tenants to encourage that. However as this case demonstrates if you don't comply, it can result in eviction. We hope this acts to reassure the vast majority of our tenants who keep their gardens to a good standard, that we will always take firm action. But it must also send out a message to the minority that we won’t turn a blind eye and that we will take whatever action is needed.

Richard Antcliff, Head of Neighbourhood Enforcement for Community Protection, said:

This type of nuisance behaviour will not be tolerated. The courts do not take decisions to evict people from their homes lightly and although some people may question the severity of this punishment, you only have to speak to those it affected to understand what they had been putting up with.

I can reassure the public that in nearly all cases, those people who are evicted are excluded from accessing further social housing in Nottingham.

To report untidy gardens or anti-social behaviour, NCH tenants can contact their local housing office, text REPORTASB, followed by their message, to 80800 or report it on our Anti-social behaviour webpage. Or alternatively, tenants and residents can call the ASB Helpline on 0115 915 2020 or visit the Nottingham Community Protection website.

Got a garden to be proud of?

Most tenants and residents across our estates take a great deal of pride in their gardens. For nearly 78 years now, people across the city have been entering the Best Garden Competition and showing their pride in the area they live.

This year is no exception. Tenants and residents (former tenants) of Nottingham city estates are invited to take part and must enter their garden by 24th June 2011. For more information, go to 'Your tenancy' on this website.

(Friday 10th June 2011 09:00:00 GMT)

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