Life on Stoke-on-Trent street where nuisance neighbour had 17 living in one flat

Police and magistrates have kicked out a nightmare neighbour - after reports of up to 17 people living in his flat. Staffordshire Police have boarded up the property - on Sunnyside Avenue, in Tunstall - after securing a three-month closure order.

The order was secured at North Staffordshire Justice Centre. The tenant - who did not attend this week's hearing - is 'in the throes of an addiction'.

One neighbour has told how their mobility scooter was stolen - and drug deals were being conducted through a window.

They said: “It was a huge relief when he was evicted. We've had to put up with lots of anti-social behaviour. We were robbed, they stole my husband's mobility scooter.

“Basically we are live and let live people but you can only live and let live so far. Selling drugs from the window and it still hasn’t ended, we were told they might try to break in. He has had as many as 17 people living in that flat.

Another neighbour added: “It’s just been really bad. I know people have thought about moving because of it. You’d see loads of people at the house at any one time and they all looked like they were on drugs. I’m glad the police have actually done something and sorted out the problem and hopefully it lasts.”

Anyone who has any issues with the property should call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you - it’s FREE