Babergh opts for ASBO blitz

NOISY or nuisance tenants could be a thing of the past in one Suffolk district.

Babergh Council is looking to adopt an anti-social action plan in relation to council housing by the end of the year.

It is one of a number of tools in the district designed to make life better for tenants and the wider community in general.

The move follows hot on the heels of the success of Ipswich Council in cracking down on bad behaviour.

Ian Tippett, Babergh's housing services manager explained: "Babergh is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour.

"What we want to do is to use Asbos for problems associated with our housing stock.

"It may be a particular family or particular person being anti-social or a nuisance to neighbours or the community in general.

"We will monitor people's complaints and look to see what is going on and work with the family or the person concerned. If this doesn't work Asbos is one of the things we will look at.

"It will be in relation to a range of issues, may be there is vandalism going on or people carrying out car repairs at home – leaving metal and tyres out. Car repairs is often comes up, particularly if people are on the extent of running their business from home.

"Being abusive could be part of it. It could be loud music or all weekend parties. We would look to see what the problem is and try and work out a way of dealing with it." This may be in a number of ways including an acceptable behaviour contract, where agreements are made.

Asked if Babergh has lagged behind other authorities in introducing them, he said: "I don't think so.

"It is something that is still relatively new and that the government are encouraging local authorities to embrace. I think we have had a particular good record in dealing with neighbour nuisance issues."

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