NEIGHBOURS are relieved that “seven years of hell” have been brought to an end after the eviction of a nuisance neighbour.
Several residents of Spalding’s Green Lane took to the stand at an eviction hearing in front of a district judge to describe how their lives had been made a misery by Kelly Groves, who carried out a catalogue of assaults, intimidation, racial abuse and drunken and rowdy behaviour in the quiet cul-de-sac where she lived.
As a result of her behaviour, Groves has been convicted of common assault against one of her neighbours and a racially aggravated public order offence.
An injunction was also issued against a frequent visitor to the property, Tafar Washoma – believed to be Miss Grove’s boyfriend.
But one neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said the case is still casting a shadow over her life as she tries to avoid areas where she fears she may bump into Miss Groves and dreads a brick being thrown the window of her home in revenge for giving evidence.
She said: “We have had seven years of hell because of this woman. We are glad she has been evicted.
“Getting the injunction and eviction was like a weight lifted, I felt that there was a light at the end of the tunnel and that I could finally get my life back.
“But I am still worried about what might happen.”
The action against Miss Groves was launched by housing association Accent Nene after repeated reports of serious anti-social behaviour and damage to property.
Annette Smith, Accent Nene anti-social behaviour co-ordinator, said: “Eviction is always a last resort and we will always look at prevention, which includes working with residents to change their behaviour and to stop visitors from causing problems.
“Many local residents were significantly affected and unfortunately despite several offers of support we had no alternative but to pursue legal action in this case.”
After the hearing, the neighbour added: “My advice to any person suffering from anti-social behaviour is to inform your landlord and the police. If you don’t things only get much worse.”