TENANTS of a York block of flats were shocked when one of the city's "neighbours from hell" arrived next door - in a caravan.

Former bodybuilder Paul Ibbotson has made himself at home in a tiny white holiday caravan outside houses in Peppercorn Close, Holgate.

He has narrowly escaped eviction from two council properties in recent months, including his home of seven years, after admitting causing nuisance with late-night noise and disturbances.

Now Holgate residents have complained to the police and York Housing Association, which owns some of the nearby properties, about their unexpected new neighbour.

One 34-year-old man, whose home overlooks the private car park in which the caravan stands, said: "He's there at all times of day and night with his mates and girlfriend.

"The council didn't want him in Walmgate or Clarence Street and we don't want him here, but because it's private land the council said they couldn't help."

Mr Ibbotson told the Evening Press that he bought the caravan one month ago and plans to move it to a permanent campsite once a tow bar is fitted to his car.

He said: "I'm not sleeping in the caravan. I'm no bother to people here and I'm trying not to make any noise at all."

Earlier this year Mr Ibbotson narrowly avoided being thrown out of his Walmgate council flat when he agreed to leave only days before he was due to appear in court for eviction proceedings.

In documents submitted to York County Court he admitted causing late-night noise, including domestic arguments, slamming doors and dogs barking. The property was also raided twice, in February and November 2003, by police officers looking for stolen property. Mr Ibbotson has 20 convictions for theft, drugs offences and public disorder and has served a 15-month prison sentence for handling stolen goods.

Lynda Howe, of York Housing Association, which manages the car park and some neighbouring properties on behalf of Home Housing Association, said the group had contacted the police and hoped to get the matter resolved as soon as possible.

Updated: 10:46 Monday, August 16, 2004