Bird left with no nest following antisocial behaviour

Date published: 24/06/2008

On 18 June Samantha Bird was evicted from her home on Fir Street, Ramsbottom after a five year history of rowdy and aggressive behaviour.

Bird appeared at Bury Magistrates Court to hear evidence provided to Six Town Housing which eventually proved decisive in persuading courts that no more could be done to deter the resident from her outlandish behaviour.

Incidents recorded by long suffering neighbours mainly involved the rowdy, drunken, aggressive behaviour of Ms Bird and her visitors and a lack of supervision of her children.
The court heard how Ms Bird had been given numerous chances to save herself from becoming homeless with numerous warnings and offers of formal and informal mediation.

Initially Six Town Housing obtained an injunction against Ms Bird, compelling her to comply with her conditions of tenancy and suspending her 'Right To Buy'. But several breaches of the injunction led to a further application to the courts for possession of the property and on 16 April last year, a Postponed Possession Order was made with respect to the property. This meant that provided there were no further problems at the address, Ms Bird and her family would be allowed to continue living on Fir Street.

Unfortunately, problems recurred, and at a further Hearing on 20 May 2008, Bury Council was granted possession of the property in 28 days.

Susan Jordan Chief Executive of Six Town Housing said: "We greatly appreciate the help of those witnesses who came forward to make this successful outcome possible as we realise how difficult it can sometimes be for witnesses to persist with their complaints" she continued: "Nobody enjoys the prospect of taking part in legal action which could lead to a person losing their home, especially when there are children involved".

Councillor Sam Cohen Executive Member for Safe, Strong and Confident Communities said: "A common misconception is that it is the complainants who are responsible for a nuisance neighbour being evicted, and sometimes complainants, although completely innocent, experience a inexplicable feeling of guilt themselves. It is important for witnesses to remember that is the person/s who behave in an anti social manner who are ultimately responsible for their own actions and that when they are evicted, as in the case of Samantha Bird, they have no one to blame but themselves".

He concluded: "We will continue to take legal action where necessary against perpetrators of anti social behaviour, and is committed to supporting witnesses to bring their evidence before the Courts. By working together in this manner it will be possible to make our estates a safer and more pleasant place to live".