14/3/2008Neighbours from hell targeted
FIVE "neighbours from hell" were kicked out of their East End homes after police were called to their street more than 100 times in three months.
The order obtained in October against three flats in Powfoot Street, Parkhead, was described by Superintendent Martin as a "classic example" of how her multi-agency approach had worked.
Supt Martin said it was decided to tackle the problem because a disproportionate amount of police resources was being used to deal with problems in the street.
Police warned the neighbours several times they would be evicted if their behaviour did not improve.
She said: "They paid no attention so we interviewed them, keeping a note of how many times we had visited the premises, and took the case to court."
The five tenants evicted were Mary Dearie, 52, and her son John Dearie, 20, Nicola McInally, 36, and her son Jamie McInally, 18, and Tracy McNaughton, 27.
The closure order was also sought by the landlord, Parkhead Housing Association, which wanted the tenants evicted.
After presenting the case to Sheriff Deirdre MacNeill at Glasgow Sheriff Court, a three-month closure order was granted. It has since been extended by three months.
Supt Martin said: "The impact has been dramatic. Instead of attending that area regularly, we are never there any more.
"That has freed up resources to cover other problem areas, so the exercise has been a success.
"And it has made the public in that street feel safer and given them back their neighbourhood - that's the main thing."
Jan 12, 2008