Residents on Peabody Avenue, the historic Peabody estate in Pimlico, are breathing a sigh of relief after a woman and her son, who was the cause of serious anti-social behaviour on the estate including drug dealing, have been evicted.
The eviction follows sustained efforts by Peabody and local agencies including Westminster City Council and the Safer Neighbourhoods Team to work with the woman and her son to encourage him to end the anti-social behaviour.
After measures including verbal and written warnings, conciliation meetings and an 'acceptable behaviour' contract all failed to have an effect, Peabody successfully applied for an Outright Possession Order.
The eviction was delayed when the woman applied for a stay of execution. But Peabody's CCTV soon captured her son intimidating other residents and causing criminal damage. The eviction was subsequently carried out.
Police also used the CCTV footage to charge the son for vandalism. He was found guilty and convicted.
Peabody Community Safety Officer Oladapo Alao Odeleye said:
"We worked long and hard with our partners in Westminster to help this family, but to no avail. This eviction proves that we can, and will, resort to tougher measures if needed. Our message to troublemakers is clear: if you persist in anti-social behaviour, you will lose your home."
He added that, since the eviction, residents had reported that life on the estate had significantly improved.
Community Safety Team powers
Peabody's Community Safety Team can draw on a range of legislation to evict perpetrators and shut down premises associated with anti-social behaviour.
The team is able to use anonymous resident statements during court proceedings and can provide support for residents who act as witnesses.
The Community Safety Team can be contacted on 020 7021 4111.
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