THE problem of violent, rowdy tenants and nuisance neighbours is the focus of a pioneering plan being drawn up by Blackburn housing chiefs.

The scheme will be launched at a seminar where Shadow Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw will be guest of honour.

Housing bosses carried out extensive research into the growing problem of neighbour nuisance on the borough's council estates.

Police chiefs, race relations experts, housing associations and other groups have all had their say.

The final strategy will give step-by-step measures on how to deal with neighbourhood problems from the first complaint.

Revolutionary ideas such as professional witnesses, probationary tenancies and tenancy service officers have been included in the proposals. A further meeting is being planned so councillors and interested parties will get a final chance to voice their ideas.

The Government's new housing act gives local authorities extra powers to crack down on people who create a nuisance and disturb neighbours.

Councils now have the power to hand out spot fines to people creating a noise nuisance late at night.

The ruling Labour group on Blackburn Council was recently attacked by Tories for dragging their feet on introducing the new laws.

Housing chairman Sue Reid said: "Most tenants go about their daily business peacefully but a very small minority cause problems for others with verbal abuse, vandalism and sometimes even violence.

"Our primary aim is to use mediation with tenants to sort out problems, If that fails, we will look at other methods including the possibility of eviction."

The final version of the strategy will be presented to the public on February 14 at Blackburn's King George's Hall.

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