Pensioner Maureen Peach says she can live in peace again ollowing the eviction of a noisy neighbour who has ‘made life miserable’ over the last 11 months.

GreenSquare served an eviction notice on 50-year-old Adam Garrad, of Silveston Way, Malmesbury, after he repeatedly breached the terms of an injunction obtained against him by GreenSquare housing, following numerous complaints that he screamed and shouted, day and night.

“It was horrendous, “ said Mrs Peach, 70.

“I couldn’t keep living like that. I have been here since 1997 and I’ve never had any problems before.

“I was in a hell of a state at times. I couldn’t have lived with it much longer.

“If nothing would have happened I would have had to go but why should I go, someone who is a Malmesbury girl?

“I am still getting used to the difference now and sometimes when I hear a noise I still jump.”

Mr Garrard was offered an Acceptable Behaviour Contract on February 1 asking him to keep the noise to a minimum, which he refused to accept.

On February 21, Swindon County Court issued an injunction stating that if he did not comply with requests to keep the noise levels down, he would face having his home repossessed.

On March 28, for continuing to break the terms of his starter tenancy agreement, a two-month notice of eviction was sent to him.

After repeatedly breaching his injunction, on April 16, the county court sentenced Mr Garrard to a 42-day suspended prison sentence.

GreenSquare has now taken possession of the property and the locks have been changed.

Mrs Peach thanked GreenSquare, and in particular, Anna Kelly, the housing group’s senior anti-social behaviour officer, for her support.

Ms Kelly said: “Eviction is always a last resort, however, we had to bear in mind the effect that Mr Garrard’s behaviour was having on other residents.

“We worked hard to ensure that this man had access to support and opportunity to change his ways, but he refused to understand that there was a problem with his behaviour.

“As a responsible landlord, we ensure that all new tenants are given a starter tenancy of 12 months, which is similar to a ‘trial’ period – in this case, it enabled us to take swift action to ensure the disruption to other residents came to an end.”

Sergeant Martin Alvis said: “Over the last few months we have received quite a few calls in relation to harassment.

“We worked very closely with Greensquare and with the evidence we gave it led to the person having his home taken away.

“Anti-social behaviour and particularly the harassment against other tenants is frowned upon and we will work with landlords like Greensquare to ensure we can help put victim’s lives back on track.

“If people find that they can’t control their offending behaviour watch out because we will take action against you on behalf of those who are more vulnerable.”