Campaigner evicted over nuisance

An anti-drugs campaigner who lobbied the then prime minister has been evicted from her Wearside home for being a nuisance neighbour.

Lynn Arkley, 47, sent Tony Blair a poster in 2002, aimed at discouraging children from taking drugs.

However, her aggressive behaviour and verbal abuse while drunk was causing problems for neighbours at Woodburn Drive, Houghton-le-Spring.

Since 2001, more than 350 incidents have been logged by Northumbria Police.

Last resort

This led social housing provider, Gentoo, to take legal action to evict her.

Michelle Meldrum, Gentoo Sunderland's deputy director, said: "We are committed to ensuring that our communities are safe places to live.

"We endeavour to support our customers as much as we possibly can and view eviction as a last resort.

"We will, however, take eviction proceedings on tenants who continuously cause anti-social behaviour and nuisance to other residents and who refuse to access the support options we offer."

Ms Arkley was not available for comment.