A ZERO-tolerance policy by a West Dorset housing provider has led to the eviction of a couple from their Beaminster home.

Neighbours in Flaxfield Road were plagued by months of anti-social behaviour by the man and woman.

The resident and his girlfriend persistently swore, shouted and played loud music to the early hours of the morning to the distress of neighbouring families, many with young children.

When Magna Housing Association’s anti-social behaviour team became involved, warnings were issued to the resident followed by Magna seeking a demotion order to reduce the level of the tenancy and a possession order.

However, the next day there were more reported incidents of swearing, shouting, arguing and loud music.

An application for an injunction was prepared and neighbours provided witness statements to the court detailing the incidents that had occurred and the distress and disruption these caused.

Magna’s ASB housing officer, Semeon Monehin, attended court and persuaded a judge that the behaviour was sufficiently serious and disruptive to grant an immediate injunction without notice to the defendant.

The injunction contained a power of arrest which allows the police to arrest the defendant if the injunction is breached.

This injunction was breached on four separate occasions and despite a last minute appeal, the judge granted Magna an eviction.

Magna’s tenancy and ASB manager, Ruth Martindale, commented: ‘We take all ASB cases very seriously and show concern for both the victim and perpetrator.

“Where possible we try and mediate situations and support the perpetrator from causing any further distress.

“However this is not always possible and we have to work closely with our residents to gather sufficient evidence to take court action and take a positive stance against such behaviour.”