'Nuisance' families kicked out of Wolverhampton street to delight of neighbours
Two families who caused misery for a community have finally been evicted from their homes – much to the delight of neighbours.
The long-standing tenants have been kicked out of their houses in Wolverhampton due to the criminal behaviour of their sons.
They were successfully evicted from their homes in Chester Street, Whitmore Reans, after work by Wolverhampton council, West Midlands Police and housing organisation Midland Heart
Both families had lived on the same street for more than 20 years, during which time the sons were involved with a local gang and dealing Class A drugs nearby, Wolverhampton council said.
Although neither of the direct tenants had been involved in their sons’ criminal behaviour, both had allowed their children to continue living at the properties, which had caused the area to become a magnet for anti-social behaviour and criminal activity, creating an environment of fear and intimidation for other residents.
Karen Samuels of Wolverhampton council said: “The eviction of these tenants is the result of excellent partnership working by agencies to tackle a serious problem which was blighting the lives of law-abiding residents.
“We want to make our communities safer and better places by addressing the root causes of crime and anti-social behaviour.
“These actions demonstrate how seriously the authorities take criminal activity and anti-social behaviour and sends out a very clear message – drug dealing on our estates will not be tolerated.”
Vicki Brownhill of Midland Heart added: "These cases highlight the effectiveness of our joint working both internally and externally with partners.
"They clearly show the consequence the actions of individuals in households can have on their family’s tenancy and our aim to reassure other residents action will be taken.
"Our housing legal team supports the people team to resolve these type of complex anti-social behaviour cases. Legal action is taken as a last resort.
"In these particular cases, legal action has reduced nuisance and the risk of harm to the local community. Our message is strong and clear; anti-social behaviour is not tolerated and, where necessary, legal action will be taken."
And Inspector Tracey Packham from Wolverhampton Police said: “This shows we are committed to longer term solutions for communities to allow them to live their lives without fear.
"It also sends a strong warning message to those involved in drug dealing that we will not tolerate their actions and will take every opportunity to deprive them of their foothold in our communities."
