Renewed attack on 'neighbours from hell'

14 February 2005

Families who cause misery to those living nearby are being offered a 'last-chance' to turn around their behaviour.

The Government has published a package of measures designed to bring relief to communities plagued by nightmare neighbours.

Backed by a £1.25 million award, the scheme follows a review of the country's toughest nuisance cases.

Special 'action areas' will see greater help for parents, extensions of existing anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos), and the possible threat of eviction for persistent offenders.

It is hoped the moves will rehabilitate Britain's worst families who cause misery to thousands of neighbours.

Home Office Minister Hazel Blears announced the measures on a visit to a family support project in Salford.

She said:

"Having nuisance neighbours may sound trivial to some, but the reality can be pure hell for the individuals and communities affected.

"In the worst cases, the anti-social behaviour of one or two families can hold whole streets to ransom, causing residents to live in fear of vandalism, abuse or harassment, day in day out."

Extra information

Research shows that 39 per cent of families and individuals reported that enforcement action such as ASBOs had helped change their behaviour for the better.

Of the 100 families reviewed, 38 had children who were not attending school regularly.

And 27 per cent had problems relating to drugs.

Useful websites

• Dealing with nuisance neighbours (opens in new window)
• Home Office (opens in new window)