THE city council's promise to get tough with anti-social tenants is a hollow gesture claims Ryelands race hate victim Mal Hussain.

Mr Hussain claims the authorities have failed to get a Ryelands man evicted even though he has twice been found guilty of anti-social crimes. And the beleaguered shopkeeper says it sends the wrong message to potential troublemakers.

"Councillor Barker has stated that anyone found guilty of anti-social or racist offences will be severely dealt with," said Mr Hussain. "This man has twice been in court and found guilty but he's still living in the same house. It's Linda and me who have to face the risks everyday.

"I'm not convinced by Mr Barker's claims. Why weren't they evicted? It sends the wrong signals."

The row centres on the actions of Colin Clarke, who lives with his wife and three children in Dee Road. He has been convicted of criminal damage, racial abuse and threatening behaviour.

Housing Chairman, Cllr Barker, said: "Mr Clarke isn't a tenant so we couldn't evict him. His wife Lisa is a tenant. We were in court last week seeking the eviction of Mrs Clark because she had failed to control the behaviour of Mr Clark. We have to get a court order to evict a secure tenant and it became clear that the court would not evict Mrs Clark.

He added: "They have both given an undertaking to the court about their future behaviour and if they break that then they could face imprisonment for contempt of court."

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