Published: Monday 6 February 2023
Residents on Waynflete Square in north Kensington are breathing a sigh of relief after an antisocial neighbour was evicted from the estate.
The tenant subjected those living nearby to incessant noise, inappropriate drug-induced behaviour, threats, and intimidation after moving into the property in 2021.
Working as part of a Joint Action Group, made up of representatives of the police, substance misuse, housing, and community safety teams, the Council’s Antisocial Behaviour team began a range of support offers to help the resident sustain their tenancy.
Throughout the process, Council officers worked with affected neighbours to gather evidence to support their claims. They were offered victim support and kept updated about key events, such as court dates and when council officers would attend the property with police to issue any orders.
Despite the range of intervention and support put in place, the antisocial behaviour continued leaving the Council with no other option than to get a court order to repossess the property to protect neighbours.
On Friday 13 January the Council evicted the tenant following a warrant issued by the County Court. The premises will be refurbished to provide a new home for someone who is on the Council’s housing waiting list.
Deputy leader and lead member for housing, Cllr Kim Taylor Smith said:
“All our residents have a right to feel safe and enjoy their homes in peace, and it is our job to make sure that happens.
“While we will do everything in our power to support people to sustain their tenancy if they genuinely need our help, we will not allow a wilful few to disrupt the lives of others by engaging in antisocial behaviour.
“The council is committed to tackling antisocial behaviour and we have recently increased resources in that area to ensure our estates remain free from antisocial behaviour.”
The Council’s antisocial behaviour team has recently added extra resources to ensure it can respond effectively and has secured ten court orders against perpetrators of antisocial behaviour in the last 12 months.
Antisocial Behaviour Manager, Leanne Maher said:
“The outcome of this case shows that by working together to tackle antisocial behaviour we can achieve successful outcomes. This estate will now be a safer and more pleasant place for everyone, including the new residents who will be able to make this property their home.”
Residents should report antisocial behaviour such as drug activity, verbal abuse, violence, harassment, or intimidation, to the police in the first instance and to the Council. More information is available on the Council’s website.
For help to report antisocial behaviour residents can call the Council’s Customer Services on 0800 137 111.