Cross Keys evicts tenant for alcohol related anti-social behaviour

June 9, 2008

PETERBOROUGH’S biggest landlord has sent a harsh warning to nuisance neighbours following its eviction of a tenant for alcohol related anti-social behaviour.

Cross Keys Homes successfully gained an eviction order against Phillip Nightingale (56), from his flat in Oundle Road, Woodston, following months of him and his visitors causing noise nuisance, harassment to vulnerable residents and being drunk and disorderly as well as causing damage to the property. Nightingale was also arrested several times for assault during his tenancy.

At a court hearing in October 2007, a Judge allowed Nightingale to stay in the property on the condition that he and his visitors behaved themselves. However, as a result of further sustained and persistent nuisance towards his neighbours and following an eviction warrant, he has now been booted out.

Cross Keys Homes’ director of operations, Claire Higgins, said: “Cross Keys Homes and Cambridgeshire police have a zero tolerance approach towards anti-social behaviour.

“This was a clear case of a serious breach of tenancy conditions causing nuisance and distress to other residents.

“We acted to deal with the anti-social behaviour as soon as we became aware of it and are pleased that our joint approach has resulted in this outcome.”

Cross Keys Homes’ anti-social behaviour manager, Gemma Wood, said: “We made every effort to try and assist Mr Nightingale to overcome his alcohol problem and control his visitors so that he could remain in his home without disturbing his neighbours. However, in cases where there is persistent and serious anti-social behaviour impacting on the community, we can and will evict.”

Becky Davis, anti-social behaviour neighbourhood manager, who worked hard to secure the eviction, added: “This is a real positive result for the area. Mr Nightingale was causing considerable distress to his neighbours, many of whom were too frightened to give a statement and attend court.

“The safety and well-being of his neighbours were our main concerns.

“Cross Keys Homes is committed to improving people’s lives and if this means taking firm and tough action against those who try to ruin them then so be it.”