An Evening Press reporter approaches Adele Ruane (centre with dark hair) for comment following her appearance at York County Court this afernoon

Police and City of York Council today welcomed a court order evicting a woman from her York home - and warned troublemakers they could get their marching orders too.

Adele Ruane agreed to move from her home in Etty Avenue, Tang Hall, after a hearing at York County Court this afternoon.

The council had lodged an application to evict Ruane, but a last-minute deal led to her agreeing to go voluntarily.

Community Safety Officer John Bolton, who helped bring the case to court, told the Evening Press he was extremely pleased by the outcome.

"This action was taken on behalf of the residents and will continue to be taken in cases where the quality of life of residents of this city is badly affected by the behaviour of a few people," he said.

He added: "We hope this acts as a warning to other people who feel they can behave in a way that shows no respect for the lives of others.

"We have had complaints from some residents in the street and the tenancy enforcement team has tried everything possible short of eviction to solve the problem.

"We have tried talking to the family to resolve the situation before it came to court.

"There was therefore no option left to the council and the police."

Council Tenancy Enforcement Manager Denis Southall also welcomed the decision this afternoon.

He said: "This is excellent news for the people of Etty Avenue and it shows that City of York Council are committed to tackling nuisance and anti-social behaviour in all its forms and are prepared to take legal action where needed."

Ruane agreed to be out of the property by 4pm on March 30.

She refused to comment when approached by an Evening Press reporter after the court case.

City of York Council had applied for a possession order for the council house under the 1985 Housing Act for contravention of the tenancy agreement by "causing substantial nuisance to other residents."

If you are concerned about the behaviour of families in your area, contact John Bolton on 01904 554617 or Denis Southall on 01904 613161 extension 1204.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.