From Nuisance to Neighbourhood Renewal – How Southway Housing Trust Tackled Persistent ASB in Burnage
For more than a year, residents on a quiet street in Burnage, Manchester lived with constant disruption from one address. The home, occupied by a 30-year-old woman with an assured tenancy since 2021, became a focal point for nuisance and criminal activity.
Neighbours reported harassment, persistent rowdy gatherings, vandalism, rubbish blighting the street, drug use and repeated breaches of noise notices. For those living nearby, daily life became unpredictable and at times frightening. Parents were anxious about letting their children play outside. Some residents spoke of considering moving away altogether, believing nothing would change.
Southway Housing Trust, supported by Manchester City Council (MCC) and Greater Manchester Police (GMP), knew the situation could not be allowed to continue.
Support Tried, but Issues Continued
From the outset, Southway officers worked to resolve the situation without court action. Multiple tenancy warnings were issued. The tenant agreed to an Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC). Referrals were made to mental health, drug support, counselling and rightsizing services.
Despite these efforts, serious incidents continued. Noise remained a major factor. MCC issued two Noise Abatement Notices, but both were breached. In January 2025, noise officers, supported by GMP, executed a warrant to remove stereos and televisions from the property. Even prosecution did not deter the behaviour.
The pattern of disruption persisted. Residents were left anxious and exhausted, feeling that the system could not protect them.
Partnership Working to Build the Case
The case highlighted the importance of strong partnership working. Housing officers, ASB coordinators, GMP and MCC’s noise team shared intelligence and evidence throughout.
Closure orders were explored, but the threshold of evidence could not be met. The partners therefore agreed the most proportionate and effective course was to pursue possession.
In January 2025, Southway served a Notice Seeking Possession. The tenant was made fully aware of the seriousness of the situation.
Legal Action Brings Resolution
The legal process was not quick. Court delays stretched the timeline, adding pressure on the community and testing the resilience of those managing the case. Southway officers remained in close contact with residents, updating them and offering reassurance that action was progressing.
In April 2025, a Possession Order was granted. By July, the warrant for eviction was executed. The property was secured the same day to prevent further nuisance.
Restoring Community Confidence
The eviction marked a turning point. For the first time in many months, neighbours could live without constant disruption. Repair work is now underway to restore the property before it is re-let to a family in housing need.
Claire Davies, Southway’s Head of Housing Management and Support, said:
“Protecting the safety and wellbeing of our communities is one of our top priorities and we work with Greater Manchester Police, Manchester City Council and other partners to keep residents safe.
The persistent anti-social behaviour of this woman and visitors to her home was having a significant impact on local people. We tried to work with her to improve the situation, but serious incidents continued to happen which left us with no choice but to take this action.
We will continue to provide support to the residents affected by this as long as they need it.”
Sustaining Change and Looking Ahead
The case reinforced how persistence, partnership and proportionality can deliver lasting change. While possession was the last resort, it was the only realistic route to restore community safety.
For practitioners, the case underlines several key points:
- Early interventions and support should always be attempted, but must be followed with decisive action if harm continues.
- Partnership evidence-sharing between housing, local authority and police is essential in building strong cases.
- Court delays remain a challenge, but clear communication with residents helps maintain trust during long processes.
- Securing possession is not an end in itself – ongoing support to affected residents and responsible re-letting of properties is vital to sustain improvements.
The Burnage case shows how even the most persistent and damaging ASB can be tackled through determined, joined-up action. For the community, the result is renewed safety, restored confidence and a chance to move forward. Thank you to Lee Isherwood, Housing Manager at Southway Housing Trust, and the Southway team for providing this case study and sharing their learning.