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BCHT’S enforcement and legal teams have continued to improve their performance in tackling anti-social behaviour thanks to the support of residents, our partners and communities.

In 2005/6, they dealt with 256 cases referred to them by tenants and local agencies including the police and voluntary bodies. As a result they secured 13 Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBO’s), issued 27 ASBO warning letters, secured17 Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction Orders and also five evictions due to anti-social behaviour.

In the previous year (ending 31 March 2005) they handled 213 cases including 10 ASBOs, 27 ASBO warning letters and carried out two evictions.

The specialist staff in BCHT’s Tenancy Enforcement and Mediation Team and Legal Services use a range of measures to investigate problems in neighbourhoods. They include mediation work to resolve neighbour disputes and applying to the Courts to secure ASBOs in more serious cases.

In the last year, Trust officers have worked closely with the police to close 24 crack houses using powers under the new Anti-Social Behaviour Act.

Neighbour and family disputes is another area where specialist trained staff can help to resolve matters. In 2005/6 Mediation staff handled 205 cases and recorded a success rate of around 80 per cent.

Barbara Wade, BCHT’s Tenancy Enforcement and Mediation Service Manager said: “We are committed to protecting the rights of our law abiding tenants to enjoy their homes and neighbourhoods.

“Over the last year, we have worked closely with residents to tackle issues in their areas and we have built very successful partnerships with the police, voluntary and statutory services. It’s particularly encouraging that more residents are prepared to come forward to report issues in their neighbourhoods. 

“We would urge any resident who is worried about anti-social behaviour or feels threatened or intimidated by individuals to contact their local housing trust office and we will look into their report and guarantee confidentiality.”