Family thrown out of their home

Neighbours in the Hilltown have been putting up with the trouble for years

A family have been thrown out of their home in Dundee after causing trouble for almost four years.

The 43-year-old woman, and her sons, aged 17 and 18, have been banned from the council flat in Dallfield Court in the Hilltown for three months.

Neighbours said they regularly found blood, drugs equipment and human excrement on the landing or stairs.

Since November, 146 needles have been found outside and police have been called about 20 times since June.

'Repeated warnings'

Since 2004, both the council and police have been receiving reports of anti-social behaviour caused by residents and the large number of visitors to the flat.

They would be causing disturbances and fighting at all times of the day and night.

Ch Supt Colin McCashey said: "The detrimental effect on the lives of other residents in the block has been unacceptable.

"Despite police intervention at an early stage and repeated warnings to the tenant, the situation has not been resolved and led us with no other option but to go for a closure order.

"This will ensure that other residents in the tenement can live in the peace and quiet that they deserve and to receive some respite for the next three months from the anti-social behaviour that has upset their lives for a considerable amount of time.

"No one should have to live with the threat or fear of criminal or anti-social behaviour and we will take action against people who, through their actions or behaviour, make others suffer."