AFTER a two year battle against anti social behaviour at Littleport property, landlords Sanctuary Hereward have obtained a court order that threatens one of their tenants with eviction if they fail to adhere to strict guidelines.

The tenant - who has caused problems with the possession and distribution of drugs, owning an aggressive dog and noise disturbance - is now subject to a suspended possession order.

And any breach of this order will result in Sanctuary applying for a bailiff’s warrant to evict the tenant from the property.

Under the terms of the order, the tenant is banned from owning a dog, having visitors between 7pm and 7am, and must not possess illegal drugs.

They will also face eviction if they do not comply with the terms of their tenancy agreement, if there are further reports of anti-social behaviour, or they use threatening behaviour towards members of the public.

Brian Tully, antisocial behaviour coordinator for East Cambridgeshire Community Safety Partnership, said: “It is not right that the actions of a few have such a huge impact on the community and we’ll always look to take action where we can.

“This relies heavily on working with the community and it takes a lot of hard work from local officers to gather evidence and equally courage for local residents to help the police. My thanks to all those who have been involved.”

The two year process began back in 2009, when Sanctuary and East Cambridgeshire police began to receive multiple reports of antisocial behaviour relating to an individual tenant.

A spokesman for Sanctuary said: “Sanctuary remained in regular communication with the resident, as well as offering additional support from a dog behaviour charity and a drug support unit.

“The housing provider supported the local police in their action to obtain a search warrant and seize any illegal drugs found at the property.

“With offers of support not taken up and no reduction in the reports of antisocial behaviour, Sanctuary sought legal advice which resulted in a notice of seeking possession. This required the tenant to demonstrate strict adherence to their tenancy conditions - the breach of which would result in court action.”

Sanctuary says the tenant’s behaviour deteriorated in September last year, and the matter was referred to Cambridge County Court. This resulted in an injunction which ordered the tenant and their guests to behave in an appropriate manner and prevented the resident from owning a dog.

When the injunction was later breached, Sanctuary staff, the police and local residents went back to the County Court, and provided evidence which resulted in a suspended possession order.

Emma Keegan, Sanctuary’s regional director, added: “Our priority is the wellbeing of all our residents and in this case we were unfortunately left with no option but to obtain a suspended possession order.

“We take all reports of anti social behaviour very seriously and are committed to preventing and addressing all incidents of antisocial behaviour and supporting those affected by it.

“We have worked closely with the resident and the local police to ensure the matter is resolved for the benefit of the whole community. We also thank everyone who helped us achieve this positive outcome.”