Lancaster City Council is to introduce a tough new policy to stamp out neighbour nuisance and anti-social behaviour on the district's council estates.

The Introductory Tenancy Scheme will put new tenants on 12 months probation and make it easier for the council to send troublesome tenants packing.

Well behaved tenants will have their 12 month introductory period automatically converted to a secured tenancy but if any complaints are received the council could go to court to terminate the housing contract with them.

Persistent rent arrears, violence or the threat of violence, harassment and criminal damage which affects the neighbourhood could all lead to council action being taken.

Members of the Council Housing Service Group welcomed the move which increased their powers to tackle the problem of neighbour nuisance.

Said Chairman Roger Sherlock: "It went through very well and will enable us to deal with anti-social behaviour. We've had lots of seminars with tenants and we see it as another aid in our efforts to increase the quality of our service."

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