A "NIGHTMARE" neighbour who terrorised tenants in a block of York council flats has been evicted from her home.

Former neighbours of Linda Tait, 50, today welcomed City of York Council's decision to evict her and husband Richard, 54, from Aldborough House, in Brook Street, The Groves.

One Aldborough House resident, Alan Bristow, said: "She would cause serious problems, usually when she was intoxicated.

"We are relieved they have gone and we are looking forward to getting on with our lives."

The couple, who had lived in Aldborough House since 1999, were evicted after the council won a possession order at York County Court.

The council has alleged that the Taits both had drink problems and that in April last year Mrs Tait had seriously assaulted another female resident of Aldborough House.

She also assaulted a police officer who was called to the flats after the attack, the council said.

The assaults led to York magistrates court cases, where Mrs Tait was convicted, a council statement claimed.

Mr Bristow said: "Mr Tait you saw less often and he was quieter than his wife.

"There would be quiet periods, sometimes for quite a long time, then all of a sudden there would be banging, crashing and swearing.

"When that happened you could be scared to leave your flat.

"Just because we live in council houses doesn't mean we should have to put up with it."

Coun Ruth Potter, the council's executive member for housing, said: "This case demonstrates the council's willingness to tackle the difficult issues involved in neighbour nuisance.

"By working with other agencies and most importantly with local people we can put a stop to these incidents."

Mr and Mrs Tait could not be contacted by the Evening Press. If the couple would like to contact the newspaper they should phone 01904 653051 and ask for Richard Edwards.

Updated: 11:37 Friday, January 17, 2003