AT some point in our lives we may encounter a troublesome neighbour. But, if the issue escalates, it could become a council matter.

This year Colchester Council’s housing team, Colchester Borough Homes, has kicked two bad neighbours out of their property in the town.

Here’s how it played out:

January

BAD neighbours have been kicked out of their property in Lexden after repeated warnings to improve their behaviour.

Officers from Essex Police attended the address in Lanvalley Road to serve them with a closure order following several complaints of “substantial” anti-social behaviour.

Alongside the force was Colchester Borough Homes, which said it was left with no option but to close the property having received the community’s support.

A spokesman for Colchester Borough Homes said: “Unfortunately, following complaints of antisocial behaviour at an address in Lanvalley Road and several warnings to desist, we were left with no option but to serve a closure order on the property and seek a possession order on behalf of the community and with their broad support.

The action follows another property being served a closure order at an address in Maidenburgh Street, in Colchester’s town centre, following complaints of anti-social behaviour in October last year.

Read the full story here.

May

A HOUSE has been closed following complaints from neighbours about drug-related activities taking place at the property.

Colchester Council stepped in to take action as it was believed people based at the address in Rectory Road, Colchester, were involved in the dealing and use of illicit drugs.

The order signed by Colchester Magistrates' Court now bans anyone entering or remaining inside the property for three months to stop what has been described as a persistent nuisance and antisocial behaviour at the address.

Karen Williams, head of housing management at CBH, said: “We take reports of illegal or antisocial behaviour seriously and will not tolerate such behaviour in any of the homes we manage.

“This action shows we are committed to working with the police to support safer communities and make Colchester an even better place to live.”

Read the full story here.