A MAN branded as a neighbour from hell has been banned from Blackburn Town Hall and other council buildings after a series of violent incidents.

The ban on Eric Liddle, 21, follows alleged assaults on a housing officer and a tenant and an incident where a sofa was thrown out of a 12th floor window at local authority flats at Alexandra House.

The Liddle family was highlighted for its anti-social behaviour last year by Shadow Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw, who called for new legislation to curb nasty neighbours.

It is understood Eric had been living in Alexandra House before the incidents took place during the last two weeks. Now Eric, who has changed his name to Anthony Lee James, has been officially barred by Blackburn Council.

Council officials applied for an immediate injunction at Blackburn County Court yesterday.

The ban was imposed pending a further hearing on August 6, at which he can be represented.

The ban extends to all the council's housing offices and the local authority flats at Alexandra House, Elizabeth House and Victoria House on Queen's Road.

The order warns him against harassing or threatening the housing officer and his staff or any council tenants or their families.

Blackburn Council's assistant housing director George Campling said: "The council will not tolerate such behaviour and is determined to protect its staff and tenants.

"We have worked closely with tenants and the police to achieve this result."

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