NEW PROGRESS SECURES FIRST EXCLUSION ORDER
Date posted: 24th August 2007

NEW PROGRESS HOUSING ASSOCIATION has  secured its first exclusion order with the power of arrest for the South Ribble area against an ex-tenant who continued to cause misery for the local community following her eviction.

29 year-old Catherine Hughes - evicted from her New Progress Housing Association property by a court order six months ago for anti-social behaviour - continued to harass and intimidate residents on the Wade Hall estate after her tenancy ended.

Working closely with Leyland Police and the local community, New Progress brought the case to court to exclude Ms Hughes from both areas after all efforts to address her behaviour were resisted.

The exclusion order prevents Ms Hughes from visiting the Seven Stars area and Wade Hall estate.

His Honour, District Judge Turner at Preston Crown Court stated that Ms Hughes's behaviour was 'appalling' and ordered that she be excluded from the Wade Hall and Seven Stars area in an effort to restrain her unacceptable behaviour. District Judge Turner thanked Community Beat Manager, John Penter of the Leyland Neighbourhood Policing Team and New Progress Housing Association for their hard work to bring the case before the County Court.

Gary Melia, Head of Housing Operations at New Progress Housing said: 'This case should demonstrate to anyone who persistently causes misery for residents just how far we are prepared to go to protect local people from this kind of behaviour.'

'We will take every step possible to ensure that the right to live in a safe and pleasant community is not violated by the action of the small minority who continue to behave in this way.'

The Association's work in tackling anti-social behaviour was held up as a national example last month by Central Government, Department for Communities and Local Government.

Back to Latest News