A tenant who has been causing misery and upset to neighbours and the community in Blyth has been evicted from the Northumberland County Council owned property  
 

This is the second eviction the council has undertaken this month as it clamps down on persistent anti-social behaviour and sends a clear message that crime and antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated on its estates. 
 

Last week, (10th February) Stephanie Marshall of 10 Burns Avenue in Blyth was evicted from her home for a range of offences including ongoing anti-social behaviour and subjecting local residents to noise, nuisance, verbal abuse and intimidation. She was regularly caught shouting and swearing at passers-by as she drank on her doorstep. 
 

Marshall also allowed visitors to attend her address to drink alcohol, causing issues well into the night and early hours of the morning. One visitor was arrested from the address after she chased a male around the street with a knife – an incident which was witnessed by local residents and children who were playing in the nearby park. On another occasion Marshall had a large fire in her garden resulting in the fire brigade being called. The property has also been damaged by Stephanie Marshall and visitors to the address, with boards now covering the front door and windows. 

Northumberland County Council having exhausted all options to work with the individual and enable her to remain in her home, has in partnership with Northumbria Police carried out the eviction through the courts. 
 

Northumberland County Councillor Colin Horncastle, cabinet member with responsibility for housing said:  

" Ms Marshall has been a tenant since November 2017.  During the time of dealing with her she was given several opportunities to engage with the county council and other agencies but failed to do so from day one. She was given warnings, served a community protection warning and community protection notice. 
 

“Seeking the eviction of a tenant is not a decision we take lightly, but our message is strong and clear; anti-social behaviour and criminal behaviour will not be tolerated and is taken very seriously by the council.  
 

“Whilst we recognise that the eviction may impact the tenant, the decision of the court clearly demonstrates that in this case it was both proportionate and warranted.   
 

“We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour which is seriously affecting the lives of neighbours and the wider community, and we hope our actions offer peace of mind to the local residents who have been affected by the serious nuisance.” 

Northumbria Police Inspector for Blyth Jon Caisley said: “We know that this address has caused misery within the local community, and this simply could not be tolerated. 
 

“I’d like to thank the community for their ongoing and continued cooperation, and hope this positive outcome offers them reassurance. 

“By working hand-in-hand with the council, we will continue to tackle these issued and would always encourage residents to report them to us.”