01 June 2009
Effective multi agency working between Caerphilly County Borough Council's Tenancy Enforcement Section and Gwent Police has resulted in the gaining of a Possession Order to rid a Rhymney community of two "nightmare" neighbours.
The tenants, a male aged 23 and a female aged 28, who lived at the address in Rowan Place, Rhymney were issued with a 14 day Possession Order by the County Court, after a catalogue of anti social incidents dating back more than three years.
Tenancy Enforcement Manager Rachel Thornett said, "Shortly after the couple moved in, complaints were received from local residents regarding anti social behaviour in and around the property, including allegations of using foul language, intimidation, threats and damage to property.
Despite several joint visits between Gwent Police and Tenancy Enforcement to the property, it was extremely difficult to take any form of direct action against the couple at the time, as many local residents simply felt too fearful for their own safety to make a formal statement against the couple."
One incident however, resulted in a local resident agreeing to make a formal statement on the anti social behaviour they had suffered at the hands of the couple. From this, Tenancy Enforcement were able to apply for an anti social behaviour injunction against the couple, which combined with other evidence gathered by various agencies, was sufficient in enabling the application to the County Court for a Possession Order.
Rachel Thornett continued, "The gaining of this Possession Order, meaning that the tenants had to vacate the property as a result of their behaviour, we hope will act as a warning and a deterrent to others that their behaviour will not be tolerated. We will not allow a tiny minority to adversely affect the lives of the majority."
Inspector Fran Richley, said: "This is a perfect example of what can be achieved when partner agencies work together towards common objectives. I hope that this repossession serves as a sobering reminder to the minority within our local communities who choose to engage in anti-social behaviour and in so doing create misery for others. Where necessary, we can and will use all the varied powers at our disposal to ensure that such conduct is eliminated."
Tenancy Enforcement and Gwent Police were able to share vital data on this case through the Information Exchange Protocol, which greatly assisted in providing sufficient evidence of breaches of the couple's Tenancy Agreement and assisted in the Possession proceedings.
The Upper Rhymney Valley Area Housing Office was also prolific in contributing information as evidence for the possession proceedings.
A great deal of damage was done to the property, and the couple currently have recharges amounting in excess of £8,500.
The tenants left the property before the required date and have now moved out of the Caerphilly county borough area.
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