Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions granted following community complaints

The action was taken following repeated complaints to the council about disruption the pair were causing the community in Gorleston and Martham.

Amanda Hutchinson, 58, of Magnolia Green, Gorleston, and Ian McKenzie, 58, of Grove Close, Martham, were handed Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions at Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court following a series of reports about disorder caused by members of their households and visitors to their homes.

Using a variety of informal interventions and offers of support, the council's Tenancy Services Team worked with Norfolk Police to try to change the pair's behaviour and the disruption it was causing.

However, despite repeated attempts to resolve the problems, the anti-social behaviour continued and the council decided to prosecute them.

At the court hearing, Hutchinson was ordered to pay costs of £716.25 with Mckenzie's costs to be determined at a later date.

The injunctions were granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and last for a year. The orders forbid Hutchinson and McKenzie, members of their households and visitors from using, being in possession of or being under the influence of unlawful drugs or allowing the smell of drugs to disperse from their homes and into communal areas or other properties.

A breach of the orders could result in a prison sentence of up to two years and/or an unlimited fine.

A spokesperson for Great Yarmouth Borough Council said: ''Taking court action where necessary demonstrates the council's determination to tackle anti-social behaviour which affects the community.

''The council's Tenancy Services Team is committed to striking a balance between challenge and support. By working with professional partners and community groups, the team tries to ensure vulnerable people are given help to stabilise their lives to maintain safe and secure accommodation. However, there is a fine a balance and the council will always act swiftly and robustly to protect the wider community when crimes are committed.''

·       If you are a council tenant, to report anti-social behaviour please email tenancy@great-yarmouth.gov.uk or telephone the team on 01493 846825. If you are a Great Yarmouth Borough Council tenant you can keep up to date with news and information on the Great Yarmouth Council Tenants Facebook page.