Residents of Hazel Close, Abingdon, have regained a peaceful and safe community after the Vale Housing Association took action against a tenant who was making her neighbours’ lives a misery. Charlotte Bedford, 28, was evicted from her home at 2.00pm yesterday after a court order that The Vale Housing Association should be allowed to end her tenancy agreement.
Since Miss Bedford had moved to the flat in April 2005 a variety of complaints about her behaviour were received by the Association, including reports of drug-dealing and use, noise problems from the high number of visitors to her ground-floor flat, a police raid, untaxed vehicles and allegations of prostitution. Housing officers working on behalf of Hazel Close residents reported that residents were reluctant to take their children to the nearby play area because of concerns that drug dealers were operating at the newly-developed site. Despite signing an Acceptable Behaviour Contract Miss Bedford’s behaviour did not change and she also resisted help from a support agency who can help people to meet their tenancy conditions.
The Vale Housing Association served notice against Miss Bedford in October last year but she initially contested the court proceedings and eventually a warrant for possession was needed to compel her to leave the property. Housing staff, police and court baliffs entered the flat yesterday afternoon to take possession of the flat but by this time Miss Bedford had already left. She is believed to have returned to her family home for the time being.
Sam Ghaida, Area Housing Manager at the Vale Housing Association, said, We took all the steps we could to tackle Miss Bedford’s anti-social behaviour and give her the opportunity to improve. Housing staff and other agencies worked together to make it clear to her that her behaviour was unacceptable and could result in her losing her home. Eviction is a last resort, but we will use it if it is the only option of ensuring that a community can live in a safe and trouble-free environment. We would like to thank the police, other partners and local residents for all their help and co-operation.