Due to the seriousness of the conviction, the Sheriff agreed to the housing association terminating the tenancy of James McClumpha, flat 1/1, 19 John Street, Greenock, on Thursday 31st May 2018.

Considerable partnership working takes place with Police Scotland and, on many occasions, Inverclyde Council’s Social Protection Team to combat antisocial behaviour and this case highlights how effective those partnership arrangements are. Although eviction is the ultimate sanction against antisocial tenants, this outcome sends a clear and audible message to anyone who blights a local community with unacceptable behaviour.

PC Martin Ward, Neighbourhood Police Officer, Ward 3 - Inverclyde Central, said: “Drug dealing is a blight on our communities and is the root cause of so much associated anti-social behaviour. Police Scotland will continue to work with our partners to make our communities safe and this court ruling sends out a clear warning that it will not be tolerated.”

Jonathan Grant, head of customer services (East), at River Clyde Homes, said: “River Clyde Homes takes a zero tolerance approach to drug dealing in our properties. We work closely with Police Scotland and will always seek to evict any tenant who is convicted of drug offences. Our priority is to ensure our neighbourhoods are safe places to live and we will always support anyone who comes forward to report this kind of behaviour. Our customers should never feel helpless when faced with antisocial behaviour and can be reassured that River Clyde Homes will always act in the interests of our valued customers.”