A ZERO-tolerance policy by a west Dorset housing provider has led to the eviction of a couple from their Beaminster home.

Neighbours in Flaxfield Road were plagued by months of anti-social behaviour by the 47-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman.

The resident and his girlfriend persistently swore, shouted and played loud music to the early hours of the morning to the distress of neighbouring families, many with young children.

When Magna Housing Association’s anti-social behaviour team became involved, warnings were issued to the residents followed by Magna seeking a demotion order to reduce the level of the tenancy and a possession order.

However, the next day there were more reported incidents of swearing, shouting, arguing and loud music.

An application for an injunction was prepared and neighbours provided witness statements to the court detailing the incidents that had occurred and the distress and disruption these caused.

Magna’s anti-social behaviour (ASB) housing officer Semeon Monehin attended court and persuaded a judge that the behaviour was sufficiently serious and disruptive to grant an immediate injunction without notice to the defendant.

The injunction contained a power of arrest which allows the police to arrest the defendant if the injunction is breached.

This injunction was breached on four separate occasions and despite a last minute appeal, the judge granted Magna an eviction.

Magna’s tenancy and ASB manager, Ruth Martindale, commented: “We take all ASB cases very seriously and show concern for both the victim and perpetrator.

“Where possible we try and mediate situations and support the perpetrator from causing any further distress.

“However this is not always possible and we have to work closely with our residents to gather sufficient evidence to take court action and take a positive stance against such behaviour.”

Local police said they were pleased with the legal action.

“These two people have been the root cause of a huge amount of anti social behaviour in that location for a significant number of months and local residents who have had to put up with it have been very patient, “ said Insp Mike Darby.

“I thank them for that and the huge amount of work they have done alongside Bridport Police, Beaminster Safer Neighbourhood Team and Magna Housing Association.

“Certainly the police have spent a substantial amount of time and public money in dealing with the issues these people have caused and in resolving this issue.

“Hopefully local residents can now enjoy some well-deserved peace and quiet. “