NEIGHBOURS have played a vital part in securing the eviction of a family from their home for causing significant and persistent disruption to the community through anti-social behaviour. Stevenage Magistrates Court has granted a premises closure order of

NEIGHBOURS have played a vital part in securing the eviction of a family from their home for causing significant and persistent disruption to the community through anti-social behaviour.

Stevenage Magistrates Court has granted a premises closure order of a property in Cavell Walk in Stevenage, under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.

Stevenage police and Stevenage Homes used a piece of legislation for the first time to secure the eviction of the private tenants, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and anyone who breaches the terms of the order by returning to the building could face up to six months in prison and a �5,000 fine.

One neighbour who played a crucial part in compiling evidence to take to court, but who did not want to be named, said: "It started the week they moved in, in 2007. We tolerated the behaviour for a year, and suffered as a community with noise, violence and intimidation. It was constant.

"We went to the police and Stevenage Homes in August last year.

"We worked with them and they told us what to do. We were all given diary sheets and logged everything.

"We had to work together as a community. Every person who lives near the house came forward and gave statements to the police, and all the evidence was taken to court.

"We have suffered at their hands for two years, but no one needs to go through what we have. You have to stand together and say 'we are not prepared to live this way'."

Insp Richard Liversidge, from the Stevenage Neighbourhood Team, said: "I'd like to thank all those local people who helped us obtain the closure.