A MAN who exposed his elderly neighbours to a seedy world of drug dealing and violence has been evicted from his town centre home.

Kevin Slater, 33, was officially evicted from his Weaver Vale Housing Trust (WVHT) flat at 44 Water Street on Thursday, June 5, following a lengthy legal process and numerous warnings to change his behaviour and that of his visitors.

Complaints against him included fighting outside the property, screaming, banging on doors, pestering neighbours, flat windows being smashed repeatedly and the revving of car engines.

Jackie Hodgson, the trust’s housing manager, said: “This is the third tenant to be evicted in Northwich within the last 18 months or so for similar anti-social behaviour which has so seriously affected the quality of life of their neighbours – such behaviour is clearly unacceptable.”

Slater, a one-leg amputee, was given a ground floor flat in the quiet riverside road because of his mobility issues.

The eviction from the property was supported by Northwich Neighbourhood Policing Unit (NPU).

Insp Paul Loughlin said: “The tenant at 44 Water Street had been provided with a good quality home near to the river and town centre in a quiet street.

“Over a period of time his behaviour and the behaviour of his associates exposed residents to drug dealing and violence which stemmed from his home.

“This was clearly unacceptable.

“The local police have worked with WVHT who presented a detailed case which has resulted in today’s eviction.

“The police have been pleased to share intelligence and information with WVHT to ensure the case they presented at court was strong and compelling.

“I hope following today’s eviction that residents of Water Street can again live in peace.”

PCSO Barbara Billington spoke to residents on Thursday to inform them of the eviction and offer reassurance.

“I’ve spoken to residents and they all say ‘it’s about time’, they’re really happy this has happened,” she said.

One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s been difficult but I’ve been reassured in the sense that we’ve been kept up-to-date from Weaver Vale Housing Trust through the whole process.

“Time will tell now.”