Council and democracy

Council's pollution team secures first ASBO on nuisance neighbour

Lisa Gowers, 37, persistently flooded her flat in Balfour Road, Woodside, to torment the woman who lived below her. On one occasion she deliberately flooded the property by blocking her toilet with more than 50 sanitary products.

She regularly shouted abuse through the floor, threw plant pots out her window and furniture down the stairs, and played loud music at all times of the day and night.

The campaign of harassment started in 2007 when Ms Gowers' female neighbour complained about her antisocial behaviour to the council's pollution team.

After evidence was gathered by the team and the Woodside Safer Neighbourhood team, an interim ASBO was served on Ms Gowers in May this year, which she immediately breached by throwing the papers out the window.

She later failed to turn up at Croydon Magistrates' Court in August when a full order was granted, which prevents her from deliberately flooding her property, playing loud music and stamping on the floor, throwing objects from her home, threatening or abusing anyone physically or verbally, and entering certain roads in the Woodside area.

If she breaks the terms of the ASBO, which was recently served on her, she faces prison and/or a £5,000 fine.

Councillor Steve O'Connell, cabinet member for safety and cohesion, said: "We take a tough line with any resident involved in antisocial behaviour. Everyone has a right to live peacefully and those who abuse that right can expect to be dealt with swiftly.

"The message is clear: law-abiding residents and the council are not prepared to put up with such levels of antisocial behaviour. Those who either cause or allow aggressive and threatening behaviour will face the toughest sanctions."

Ms Gowers' long-suffering neighbour was supported by the council's witness support team. The unique service offers round-the-clock support for witnesses from the moment they agree to give evidence in a case, to court appearances, sentencing and beyond.