Problem flat neighbour welcomes 'new start' after eviction

People living in the area described being scared to leave their own flats as they endured three years of drink and drug-fuelled disorder from the problem tenant.

Police and council officials have now issued a repossession notice to the problem property in Hobart Square, a move which has been welcomed by relieved neighbours.

The flat in Hobart Square, Norwich which has been repossessed (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)

One person in their 40s, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "There would be gangs of alcoholics going round there doing God knows what.

"They were always up all night.

"I think I was close to a nervous breakdown, was depressed and just didn't want to go out the door in case I bumped into any of them.

"I felt like a prisoner in my own flat."

The neighbour said there had been multiple call outs over the years from a number of agencies, including police, fire, ambulance as well as social services.

They said when groups called round and got no reply they would "just kick the door through and let themselves in".

The repossession notice on the door of the property (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)

Sometimes people would "turn up at 3am to 4am in the morning and you could hear them - they used to keep everyone up."

The person said they, as well as others, had been in contact with the city council sometimes up to three times a day for reporting issues to try and get a resolution.

Previous measures like closure orders, where problem tenants are temporarily evicted for 28 days  as a result of drug or drink-related anti-social behaviour, had not worked.

But following the repossession of the flat on August 10 the person said "It's been lovely.

"It's like a new start."

Meanwhile a man in his 50s, who also lives in the area, but also did not want to be named, said it had "been quieter" since the property was repossessed.