Peace set to be restored as nightmare neighbours told to move out Relief of street from hell
THE nightmare residents on Townsville’s street from hell have been booted out of their government housing, much to the relief of concerned neighbours.
Several Saltbush Boulevard residents, many of whom were known to police, are understood to have been evicted recently.
Sources have told the Bulletin tenants of one three- bedroom property, said to regularly house more than 30 people, were given their notice last week.
In March the Bulletin revealed the disturbing issues plaguing the street, with many people becoming victims of break- ins, allegedly at the hands of problem neighbours.
Police established regular patrols after mounting reports of property crime and public assaults.
Syringes and smashed bottles were regularly found on the street with concerned locals and Townsville City Council left to clean up the mess.
The council portable CCTV even parked its camera in the street in an effort to deter crime and anti- social behaviour.
Rikki Rankin has lived on the street for 19 years but said the last two had been almost unbearable due to problem neighbours.
After having her life threatened, her home broken into and her neighbourhood tarnished, Ms Rankin had been struggling to sleep at night.
She said the situation had greatly improved since a crisis meeting was held with residents, the police, politicians and concerned citizens.
However, Ms Rankin said the problem was not fully resolved, claiming some of the evicted people had been seen back in the house.
“I was starting to feel comfortable and safe and then we found they were back in the house again,” Ms Rankin said.
“But there have definitely been a lot of improvements and they can’t permanently be back there again, but whoever moves into that house had better change the locks.
“The CCTV is still there and I’m still feeling good while that’s there.”
Kirwan Police Station officerin- charge Senior Sergeant Jason Brosnan said police would not hesitate to arrest anyone trespassing on properties they had been evicted from if a complaint was lodged from the Department of Housing.
Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper, who passed on concerns to the department following the March meeting, hoped that, following the eviction decisions, nearby residents could now move on with their lives.
A spokesman for the Department of Housing said the department works closely with tenants and the local community to ensure everyone’s needs are balanced.
“Like private rental tenants, all public tenants must agree to various tenancy expectations in line with the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 before moving in,” the spokesman said.
“We will take immediate action if there are safety concerns for a tenant or community member.
“If this approach doesn’t resolve a situation, in a small number of cases, we will refer the matter to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, which may result in the tenancy being terminated.”