Anne Parker was evicted from the property in Kelburn Terrace on Tuesday 18 April 2017. Ms Parker was not present when Sheriff Officers seized the property.

On the basis of two previous convictions for using the house for illegal and immoral purposes, the Sheriff agreed to the housing association terminating the tenancy.

Considerable joined-up working practices take 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.

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 anti-social behaviour and can be reassured that River Clyde Homes will always act in the interests of our valued customers.”

Chief Inspector Elliot Brown, local area commander Inverclyde, Police Scotland, added: “Our priority is to keep people safe and by working in partnership with River Clyde Homes we have demonstrated that appropriate action will be taken against individuals who carry out acts of criminality and antisocial behaviour. I would assure all residents of Inverclyde that we will continue to take action against such individuals and work with our partners to enhance the quality of life for all residents. I believe this sends out a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated and that we will act to support members of the public who report criminal and antisocial behaviour to us.”