Nuisance behaviour is any act, or failure to do something, which causes, or is likely to cause nuisance, harassment, alarm or distress or which interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of other people living in the local area. Nuisance includes behaviour that is harmful, offensive or annoying.
The type of behaviour that causes a nuisance can vary from person to person, in general however, the following behaviour is commonly reported as a nuisance:
• Ball games in the street
• Motorbikes being ridden off road
• Cars and motorbikes driving at speed in residential areas
• Drug use and dealing
• Street drinking
• Graffiti
• Vandalism
• Loud music
• Groups gathering late at night
Nuisance and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated by the Council and will be tackled using all available powers and interventions. When a complaint is received, we take as much detail from as possible, this is because evidence is crucial if the case proceeds to legal action. As a minimum, we need details of the date and time the incident took place and a summary of what happened.
After recording the complaint we will then consider how to try and resolve the situation, this could involve a mixture of enforcement and preventative actions. In all but the most serious cases, the first stage will be to contact the alleged perpetrator to discuss the allegations.
There are many powers and interventions available, a basic summary is provided below:
• Warning letter
• Interview with alleged perpetrator
• Issue of Acceptable Behaviour Contract
• Provision of parenting support
• Diversionary activities such as football
• Tenancy support
• Seizure of music equipment*
• Injunction to prevent behaviour taking place*
• Anti-Social Behaviour Order*
In addition to the actions above, Council tenants can also have the following actions taken against them when conditions of the tenancy are breached:
• Notice of Seeking Possession
• Possession Order which could lead to eviction*
• Demoted tenancy*
*These powers involve legal action and are only taken in very serious cases, when there is sufficient evidence and in all but very serious cases, when other actions have been tried and did not sufficiently resolve the problem.
The Council also works very closely with the Police and in certain cases, the behaviour causing a nuisance can also amount to criminal behaviour. As well as criminal charges the Police can also take action to close premises for 3 months that are being used for the dealing, taking of or producing of Class A Drugs (this includes cocaine, crack, heroin). For the 3 months the premises is closed, no-one can reside at the property.
For further details on any of the above tools please see the Anti-Social Behaviour section of the website. If you would like to report or discuss a case please contact the anti-social behaviour caseworker on 819566 or anti-social behaviour co-ordinator on 819416.
Mediation Scheme
We can all have disagreements with our neighbours from time to time but sometimes this can become difficult and the disagreement turns into a dispute. Mediation is a way of resolving disputes that helps people to reach an agreement with which all parties are satisifed. It does not judge or blame people but seeks to help people towards settling an arrangement for the future.
Two volunteer mediators will listen to what you have to say and help you explore the options that may be available. Then, if you agree, they can meet your neighbour to talk about the difficulties you are experienceing. It is often possilbe to resolve the situation or bring the parties together to reach an agreement which suits everyone.
Surprisingly often mediation does work and although it won't always succeed many people have found that the situation has at least improved.
Mediation Herts provides a free, confidential and impartial service for St Albans City & District. They can be contacted on 01442 243402 or via email at help@mediationherts.org.uk
For further information please visit the mediation Herts website at www. mediationherts.org.uk