Council and democracy

Drugs tenant evicted

Tracy Wilding, 42, was given every opportunity to put a stop to the criminal activity taking place at the property in Claygate Crescent.

But instead she allowed her partner Neil Allen, 28, to continue, knowing full well she was in serious breach of her tenancy conditions and could lose her home.

Now she has paid the price for that disregard after being ordered to leave the home she has lived in for the past ten years.

Croydon County Court on Thursday gave the council permission to reclaim its property. Ms Wilding now has 14 days to leave.

The court heard how police swooped on the address in April 2007. During the raid two bags of cannabis, 11.8g of cocaine, twenty bags of cannabis seeds, 500g of glucose powder, electronic scales and £420 in cash were seized.

It was following this raid that the council first attempted to claim back the property but the court adjourned the case for fear of prejudicing ongoing criminal proceedings against Mr Allen.

Instead of using the reprieve as an opportunity to change their ways, the drugs activity continued at Ms Wilding's address and in December 2007 police uncovered more bags of cannabis and cocaine and a stun gun.

Allen was then stopped on two further occasions near the house in January and June this year. His stash included cocaine, bags of speed and a brick-sized block of cannabis.

Once criminal proceedings against Allen concluded the council had a successful return to court with Judge David Ellis granting an outright possession order on Thursday 26 June. He was critical of the tenant for making no effort to stop the criminal activity taking place at the house.

The judge concluded that there was repeated evidence of drug abuse and conduct likely to cause a nuisance to residents. He said that selling drugs in the house could lead to other criminal activity.

Cllr Dudley Mead, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, said: "Ms Wilding was given every opportunity to put a stop to the criminal activity taking place in her council home but she thought she could get away with it. We take a tough line with any tenant involved in dealing in drugs and those who do can expect to be dealt with swiftly."