Residents speak of '˜nightmare' neighbour who has been kicked out of her Sunderland home

21 Burscough Crescent, Sunderland (left). Picture by FRANK REID

People living close to Rosalind Knighton’s Fulwell home had contacted police numerous times over an almost two-year period, after loud music was played at her home during the night, with people often seen outside drinking alcohol.

Now, however, Sunderland Magistrates’ Court has granted an order under the Antisocial Behaviour Crime and Policing Act to remove Knighton from the Burscough Crescent house.

The sign on the door of 21 Burscough Crescent, Sunderland. Picture by FRANK REID

The order was applied for on the grounds she and her visitors have been causing persistent anti-social behaviour, often fuelled by alcohol, causing a “significant amount” of harassment to fellow residents.

Ms Knighton must now leave the property for the next three months.

Neighbours, police and civic leaders, have today spoken of their joy at the decision.

Michael Wilson, 52, has lived in Burscough Crescent for the past 12 years.

“This has been going on for 18 months to two years and hopefully it’s the end of it,” said Mr Wilson, who works as a delivery driver.

“The people living either side of the woman, who are in their 60s and 70s, have had it the worst because she would have them up all night by playing loud music.

“There were people banging on the door at all hours of the night to get in too.

“It’s frustrated everyone that it’s taken so long for the police to sort it.”

Neighbourhood inspector Don Wade said: “This closure order is the first success of the Sunderland North safer estates meeting, but I am sure will it not be the last as we work together to tackle problematic individuals and addresses in the area.

“It should act as a warning to anyone else whose behaviour causes a significant amount of disruption to our communities that they could potentially see themselves evicted from their own home.”

Councillor Harry Trueman, deputy leader of Sunderland City Council and chairman of the Safer Sunderland Partnership, said: It is very important to say a special thank you to those in the community who showed courage and determination as they gave evidence about the anti-social behaviour, that blighted their day-to-day lives for too long.”