Nightmare neighbour, had enough, what can I do?

Question

I moved in my house 4 and ahalf years ago, my neighbour moved in 6 months later. We are both council tenants. I had had awful noise and anti-social problems with her before but involving my housing officer who threatened her with Social Services seemed to stop the almost contstant music and violence between her and her boyfriends. But things are happening again, I have had her drugged up boyfriends knocking on my door all hours, one even barged past me in my doorway in the middle of the afternoon because he was so high to realise he had got the wrong house. Last year I had to call the police again because men were outside threatening to come back and burn her house down and then last night someone was trying to smash their way through MY front door. I was terrified. Called 999, they were great who came straight out and got this guy. A 'friend' of hers next door who apparantly had no where to stay and was trying to wake her up! I am at my wits end? What should my next step be?

Also, I have two young children in this 2 bedroom house. I am currently on the transfer list for a 3 bedroom house but with the points I have I'll be here for at least another 6 years. Could I force the council's hand into moving me sooner. I'm not happy with council anyhow, my neighbour has a sideway and all the fences are down between mine and her gardens at the rear. This has been reported to the council, but because the fences haven't been replaced this lunatic from last night managed to get round the back of my house also and was hammering my back door and windows.
Surely they must hold some responsibility. My children are already panicing about going to bed tonight in case this man comes back.

Answer 1

You must pester the housing department. especially as the welfare of your young children is at stake. Tell them that if they don't move you as a matter of priority, you are prepare to go to the Local Government Ombudsman. http://www.lgo.org.uk/complain.htm

Keep a careful log of all these antisocial incidents, with dates and times. You may need them as evidence.

Answer 2

The police have no powers to evict tenants so it is the council you need to go to. Check out if they have an anti-social behaviour unit and start there. They will either take up your case and advise you what to do or will refer you to another dept, perhaps housing. All this can take some time and normally involves keeping a diary. Also, make sure that if you need to call the police out you get a URN (crime no) from them and record the incident, with URN in your diary. The more URNs the better!
Although the procedure can be slow, if you stick to your guns and record your diary faithfully, your neighbour will eventually be evicted. Best of luck.

Answer 3

Keep calling the police so there is a written record of the public disturbances. Document all problems on the calendar. Also write a complaint detailing the history of troubles with the neighbor to the administrator of the Council.

Answer 4

Get a letter from your doctor showing that your health and your childrens health are now being compromised because of the stress you're living under. Again, write or go to your council, also try to get an appointment to see your local MP.

You're living in a nightmare, someone needs to do something.

I am so sorry for you and wish you luck.

Answer 5

Obviously you are in the UK so I don't know all the details of The Housing Council you are talking about, BUT can't you just move on your own. Don't you have the freedom to find a new home and move there? If it was up to me and the safety of my children were at stake I would go without whatever it takes to save up enough money and move them out of this terrible situation. Why rely on a Government Agency to save you? This is what a Socialized Government does to you. You rely on them for your well being instead of relying on yourself.

Answer 6

get yourself a lawyer.dont try taking this woman on by yourself or by gettin the fuzz involved.if you do she can turn on u.u dont want that.the council are at fault here big time,so hence why you need a lawyer,and a good one.with him/her you can fight the council to move you or sue em for not taking u seriously etc.watch how quick they fix things then.my mam lives in a council hse too and although not as bad as your story she has had major problems too.remember dont tackle your neighbour.it wont get u anywhere.good luck.have a male friend stay the night and a mobile beside u at all times.bye

Answer 7

By what you have said the council have enough evidence to evict her , the police also should be able to act against her.
Go see your doctor because your obviously stressed by all this and get a letter from him and forward a copy to your council, get your local councillors to visit and your M.P. too and show them the situation , believe me they will come and visit you and if your M.P. is anything like mine things will be done.
Nobody should have to put up with or move house because of scum like this !

Answer 8

MAYBE, you could try involving the local newspaper, that way the council may be forced to act, but be prepared to be in the news for all to read, including the awful neighbour and her dreadfuls friends.

And take ne11's advice.

Answer 9

i feel really sorry for you if you are really sure you have tried every thing an with out solving the problem i would ask the council to move me you can stay in same area i now it not easy to up your roots an leave your house but it might be the only solution sounds like an aw full situation .....

Answer 10

Phone your council and tell them its urgent that you get transferred for your childrens sake, tell them its not safe for your kids. Keep telling them until they listen. Phone the police or go and see them about your neighbour - can they help refer you?. Try writing to your local newspaper - anythings worth a try. Dont give up. Stay out of your neighbours way. Things will get better.
Good luck.