Housing association Citizen has confirmed it is continuing to work with partner agencies to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Coventry, following the conclusion of a long-running case that ended in an eviction.
A customer was evicted from their home on Torrington Avenue on Tuesday 1 July, after the impact of their behaviour on neighbouring residents and the wider community.
Throughout the case, Citizen worked with Coventry City Council’s Noise and Environmental Protection teams, West Midlands Police and Children’s Services to investigate concerns, support vulnerable individuals and take appropriate action.
Case began with dog fouling complaints in 2023
The case dates back to 2023, when neighbours first raised concerns about dog fouling in the communal garden and a lack of pet supervision.
Over time, further reports were made about excessive noise, poor property condition, suspected illegal drug activity, and behaviour causing ongoing alarm and distress to nearby residents.
Despite intervention, the problems continued to affect neighbouring customers and the wider community.
Escalating action
Property inspections uncovered serious concerns about the condition of the home, prompting safeguarding referrals and ongoing involvement from Children’s Services. Neighbours continued to report excessive noise and anti-social behaviour, and Coventry City Council issued a Noise Abatement Notice, which was breached on multiple occasions.
The council went on to successfully prosecute the customer for statutory noise nuisance and obtained a warrant, supported by police, to remove noise-making equipment from the property.
Further reports of suspected drug activity, along with a serious incident in which individuals forced entry into the property, underlined the impact the situation was having on local residents.
Following legal action, Citizen was granted possession of the property, resulting in the eviction on 1 July.
Housing association: “Eviction is always a last resort”
Peter Gill, Director of Housing Care and Support at Citizen, said the organisation works with customers during ASB investigations and that eviction is always a last resort.
He thanked Citizen’s Neighbourhood Teams and partner agencies for their “persistence and professionalism” in bringing the case to a conclusion, as well as neighbours who reported the ASB and provided evidence.
“Our priority is always to work with customers to resolve issues and help them sustain their tenancy wherever possible,” he said. “However, when serious and persistent antisocial behaviour continues despite repeated support and intervention, we will take action to protect our communities. Eviction is always a last resort, but in this case it was the right outcome for local customers.
“We’re committed to working with our partners to help keep our neighbourhoods safe and welcoming for everyone and will continue to tackle antisocial behaviour and support those affected by it.”
Council and police response
Cllr John McNicholas, Coventry City Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion, said the case was significant because the tenant had been reported to agencies on numerous occasions, with investigations confirming residents’ ongoing concerns.
“Our noise abatement team have been happy to work with and support Citizen and I’m glad that the right outcome has been achieved,” he said. “This anti-social behaviour should never be tolerated and I encourage residents to report any similar experiences so that they can be investigated.”
Inspector Dal Bal, who manages the South Northwest neighbourhood teams in Coventry, said police had worked closely with Citizen to address concerns at the address over a number of years.
“Our neighbourhood teams are committed to working with partners including Citizen and with the local community to tackle anti-social behaviour and keep people safe,” he said.
