Council continues its get-tough policy, warning it will no longer tolerate anti-social behaviour

Midweek Herald: A smashed door at the flat in Powell Close, Seaton.A smashed door at the flat in Powell Close, Seaton. (Image: Archant)

A Seaton woman has become the latest East Devon Council tenant to be evicted from their home - as the authority continues it clampdown on anti social behaviour.

She was the third person ordered to leave an EDDC property in recent weeks, following similar actions in Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton.

In the latest eviction, Ms Sandra Clarke was told to vacate her flat at 8 Powell Close, Seaton, where one of the issues was repeated anti social behaviour - something the council says it will no longer tolerate.

The eviction order was made by a Judge at Exeter Combined Court after hearing evidence of her behaviour between June and November 2013.

An EDDC spokesman said: “The tenant moved into the flat in May 2013 and had only been there a short time when the problems started.

“EDDC has now taken back possession of the flat and a clean-up operation has started due to the condition the flat was in when the tenant moved out.”

Councillor Jill Elson, EDDC’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Home and Communities, said: “The majority of our tenants are good neighbours and look after their properties according to the terms of the lease. Unfortunately there is a small minority who abuse their homes and cause problems for the council as landlords and for their unfortunate neighbours.

“We are sending a clear message to unruly tenants that we will not tolerate such behaviour. If they persist in acting in an anti social way, we will gather evidence and take it to court with an application for eviction. These recent cases are an example of what we will do to look after our housing stock and to protect our tenants from disrespectful neighbours.”