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Tenants evicted for anti-social behaviour

Released on 10 Oct 2008

Oxford City Council has evicted two troublesome tenants from Foresters Tower, Wood Farm Road, Headington this week for their continued anti-social behaviour.

Complaints about Reggie Smith (aged 20) and Stella Moore (age 18) began almost as soon as they moved into 71 Foresters Tower in February 2008, with neighbours unhappy about the noise made at a party. This was shortly followed with complaints to the Council about shouting and arguing, a dog being kept in the flat (not permitted in the tower blocks), and from soiled nappies being thrown from the flat's balcony.

Martyn Mumford, Tenancy Operations Manager, Oxford City Council, says: "We will always work hard to try to resolve any reports of anti-social behaviour when we are made aware.

"We work with both parties to try to tackle the issues and create a way forward."

Despite receiving several warning letters and visits from the Council, complaints about Reggie Smith's behaviour continued and escalated. Statements from neighbours were taken and included complaints about items such as coins, rubbish, and human and animal faeces being thrown down from the balcony of the twelfth floor flat.

Neighbours also reported being shouted and sworn at in the street from the couples' balcony. Further statements were taken and warning letters sent.

The tenants were asked to attend interviews at the Council's Horspath Road offices, but failed to attend on three occasions.

The case was passed to the Council's Legal unit who served notice to quit on the tenants. Reggie Smith and Stella Moore both failed to attend court and full possession was granted. The eviction from 71 Foresters Tower, was carried out on 7 October 2008.

Councillor Ed Turner, Executive Board Member for Housing, says: "Eviction is a last resort, when all other avenues have failed.