PEOPLE in Westleigh people have been celebrating after an anti-social neighbour was evicted from their estate by the council.

The tenant has also been banned from applying for any other council property in a new tough stance which is a council warning to other anti-social tenants.

The latest eviction came after a joint effort by the housing department and residents. Locals were determined to see the back of their 'neighbour from hell' who was allegedly seen to have visitors regularly injecting themselves with drugs.

People grew tired of abusive language, noise and confrontations; several times police had to deal with the unruly neighbour.

When letters and warnings from the council were ignored, the housing department - assisted by evidence from a group of neighbours - started a successful action in Leigh County Court for a Possession Order which saw the tenant evicted. Under new legal powers the evicted tenant cannot apply for rehousing with the council.

A spokesman for Westleigh Tenants and Residents Group said: "This case demonstrates what can be achieved when residents and the housing department work together to deal with such problems.

"It gives a clear message to anti-social tenants that their behaviour is not welcome and will not be tolerated by other residents or the council."

A housing department spokesperson added: "The supportive evidence of the residents involved in this case was important, and we thank them for their help and co-operation.

"It is much more difficult to take action against tenants like this if residents do not help us.

"This group has decided to do something about the problem by working with us and we are all pleased with the outcome.

"If people are engaging in persistent anti-social behaviour and we can obtain evidence they are ruining the lives of other residents we will take action to evict them."

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