The Sheriff granted the Inverclyde housing association orders to end the tenancies of William Robertson, of Belville Street, Greenock for drug dealing in the vicinity of his home and Robert Meechan of Ann Street, Greenock for drug dealing from his home. The housing association also successfully obtained an order to evict John Glancy of Ann Street for persistent anti-social behaviour by him and his visitors.

Staff from River Clyde Homes, Police Scotland and Inverclyde Council’s Community Wardens have been working hard to tackle the issue and support those tenants who are affected.

The evictions come against a backdrop of growing political pressure for the Scottish Government to bring in further measures to protect people from eviction proceedings during the pandemic.

River Clyde Homes said its evictions serve as a “defiant message” amid an increase in anti-social behaviour across the country and ensure customers remain safe at home.

Senior manager Elaine Cannon said: “Tackling anti-social during the pandemic has been challenging however positive partnership working with Police Scotland and Inverclyde Council’s Community Wardens has assisted the Association to obtain orders at court to evict 3 tenants. River Clyde Homes will continue to take action against tenants who persistently act in an anti-social manner and cause disorder in our communities and this could lead to them losing their home.”

Police in Inverclyde said they have been working together with a number of its partners including River Clyde Homes to tackle instances of anti-social behaviour from a small number of tenants through the newly formed Partnership Hub.

The aim of the Partnership Hub is to find collaborative and coordinated approaches in tackling community-related issues including persistent anti-social behaviour.

Chief inspector Paul Cameron stated: “This kind of toxic anti-social behaviour remains a focus for Police in Inverclyde. We will continue to work with our partners to find joint solutions which often cannot be resolved in isolation and pursue individuals involved using the strongest possible legal action against them.”

Councillor Tommy McVey, chair of Inverclyde Council’s police and fire scrutiny committee, added: “There’s absolutely no place for anti-social behaviour in our communities and we’re pleased to support our partners at River Clyde Homes and local police in driving selfish behaviour out of our towns and villages.

“Inverclyde on the whole is a safe and welcoming place to live but we must do all we can to stamp out a small minority who want to ruin that for others.”