Court order Ipswich nuisance neighbour who once kept ducks in her property to leave her home
South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court - Credit: Archant
A nuisance neighbour who even kept ducks in her house has been given 14 days to get out of her east Ipswich home by the town’s magistrates.
Ipswich Borough Council successfully sought outright possession of Samantha Smith’s three-bedroomed property in Van Dyck Road during a hearing before South East Suffolk Magistrates Court.
The court’s decision followed proceedings which were originally filed on February 16 on the grounds Smith was responsible for sustained breaches of her tenancy.
The alleged breaches dated back to October 2014.
The complaints made primarily related to anti-social behaviour, nuisance and annoyance, along with a complete disregard for neighbours’ welfare.
Threats were also alleged to have been made to the borough council’s anti- social behaviour officers by Smith’s partner at the time.
The council claimed Smith and her visitors had caused harassment, alarm, and distress to neighbours.
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One of the residents affected submitted a statement and had been prepared to appear in court.
A Notice of Seeking Possession was served on Smith on May 15 last year.
However, the nuisance was said to have continued culminating in a Community Protection Notice being served upon Smith and her then partner.
Complaints against Smith escalated and several visits were made by the anti-social behaviour officers.
The council alleged both officers had been threatened by Smith’s partner.
Smith is said to have further breached her tenancy agreement by overcrowding the property with numerous animals, including ducks and cats, causing health and safety issues.
Injunction proceedings were also drafted against Smith’s partner, but he left the property before the injunction could be filed at court.
A second Notice of Seeking Possession was served upon Smith in December last year.
Ipswich Borough Council was unavailable for further comment after the court hearing.
However, in the past it has said it was always reluctant to take action which resulted in court proceedings against tenants and it would only do so as a final resort.
