Neighbours help get nuisance tenant evicted

Date published: 09 March 2011

Determination by Ramsbottom residents has played a major role in getting a nuisance tenant evicted.

Bury County Court granted Six Town Housing immediate possession of a property on Hope Street, Ramsbottom, which was occupied by Brett Barlow.

It followed complaints of loud music, threatening behaviour, abusive language, shouting, arguing and banging in and around the property.

Barlow (aged 32) was warned about the nuisance, but further complaints were received and Six Town went to court on 10 June. The judge found that Barlow had breached his conditions of tenancy and granted Bury Council an 18-month injunction. The order prohibited Barlow from behaving in a threatening manner and causing any further problems to his neighbours within the communal block.

However, following the injunction being granted, Six Town received further reports of shouting, abusive language, banging, arguing, singing and rowdy visitors to the property. As a result, Six Town instigated possession proceedings and the matter was returned to court in February 2011.

At the hearing, the judge granted possession of the property forthwith and fined Barlow £350 for breaching the terms of the injunction. Barlow has now vacated the property.

John Merrick, director of neighbourhoods at Six Town, said: “Without the determination, perseverance and assistance of residents on Hope Street, it would have been impossible for Six Town to achieve this result.”

This eviction follows two evictions in January, from addresses in Warth Road, Bury and Eastham Avenue, Bury.

Mr Merrick added: “With residents’ help, we will continue to take action against the small minority of tenants who disturb the peace for the vast majority.”