A HOUSING association has taken a stand against antisocial behaviour by evicting a tenant who “terrorised” his neighbours in the village of Cradley, near Malvern.

Festival Housing said that complaints about noise and disturbance began shortly after Christopher Shail and his partner Ashleigh Taylor moved into The Leys in August 2008.

It said complaints were initially “infrequent” and that efforts were made to deal with the issues of constant barking of dogs, shouting, arguing and abuse.

However in late 2010 the complaints started to increase significantly, and neighbours in the same block of flats reported more threatening behaviour from Mr Shail.

Following threats against one neighbour in August 2011, Festival took out an injunction against Mr Shail, which he attempted to defend.

When he appeared in court in January, Mr Shail admitted breaches of his tenancy agreement and agreed to leave the property seven weeks later.

The day before Mr Shail was due to leave he applied for a further extension, but Festival successfully opposed the request and the couple, who held a joint tenancy, were both evicted.

Clare Huyton, executive director at Festival Housing said: “This has been a long case which has, at times, been frustrating as Mr Shail has delayed proceedings considerably.

“We do not tolerate antisocial behaviour from any of our residents so we are very pleased with this successful eviction. Mr Shail caused considerable distress to his neighbours and we are grateful for all their support in helping us to secure this positive result for their community.”