A COUNCIL tenant whose home was at the centre of two major gas leak emergencies has been evicted for nuisance behaviour.

Police, bailiffs and council workmen removed Michael O'Neil from his home in York after he allegedly tormented his neighbours for more than two years.

Emergency services were called to the house, in Chaloners Road, Dringhouses, twice in seven days in August when the gas cooker was accidentally left on.

Neighbours were evacuated from their homes after Transco engineers arrived and discovered potentially-explosive amounts of escaped gas.

Members of York council's tenancy enforcement team said Mr O'Neil, 48, was evicted for "antisocial and disruptive" behaviour, which included threatening their staff and abusing neighbours.

Mr O'Neil, who appeared to be in poor health, was expected to move in with a friend. As he left the house, he said: "I wanted to stay for one more week, but they wouldn't let me."

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "He has made life difficult, but he is also a bit of sad case."

The deadline for a second York council tenant to leave her property also passed yesterday.

Mum-of-one Amanda Kershaw, 26, was asked to leave her semi-detached house in Ostman Road, Acomb, after two years of alleged loud music and verbal abuse.

She had already left the property by the time bailiffs arrived. A large pile of rubbish was left outside and the interior appeared to be in poor condition.

A City of York Council spokeswoman said: "Council tenant Michael O'Neil was evicted from Chaloners Road following two years of antisocial and disruptive behaviour.

"Problems included excessive noise, often late into the night, threatening behaviour to council staff visiting his home, and abusive behaviour towards his neighbours.

"Mr O'Neil was offered help and support by the council, but he refused all attempts to resolve the situation and showed no desire to work with the authorities and take control of the situations.

"Amanda Kershaw was evicted from her council home at Ostman Road following years of antisocial behaviour, including loud music and verbal abuse to her neighbours.

"We have tried to work with Ms Kershaw to resolve the problems, but she has been unwilling to change her behaviour and unfortunately eviction is the only option that remains.

"The case is another example of effective joint working between the council, the community policing team and the local community, who have born the brunt of Ms Kershaw's actions."

Updated: 12:05 Wednesday, October 26, 2005