MORE "neighbours from hell" have been evicted from a York council flat, the Evening Press has learned.

A woman and her partner were forced to leave their property in Main Street, Fulford, following numerous warnings about loud music and "loutish behaviour".

Elderly residents living below the couple complained to the council of constant late night parties and darts being played in the early hours.

Neil McFarlane, a City of York Council tenancy enforcement manager, who served the eviction order following a hearing at York County Court, said up to eight people regularly stayed in the flat.

He said: "It's always unfortunate when we have to evict someone, but we were left with no option in this case. Most of the couple's neighbours were elderly and had to endure a long period of noise nuisance and loutish behaviour.

"One of the residents reported darts matches being played into the early hours of the morning. All she could hear through the night were darts dropping on the floor above."

Another council tenant, Diane Lambert, was also evicted from her house in Foxwood Lane, Foxwood, last month, following more than 70 complaints from neighbours.

Mr McFarlane said they had obtained an injunction against this latest tenant before Christmas which was not complied with, so they were forced to take possession proceedings.

She made an appeal to the county court, which was dismissed by the district judge on the grounds that there was "a serious nuisance".

Mr McFarlane served the eviction order at 11am yesterday accompanied by two court bailiffs and a "strong" police presence which was not needed. "We gave numerous warnings that were not heeded," he said. "The flat is now empty and the locks have been changed."

It is understood the evicted couple have applied for alternative council accommodation.

Updated: 11:33 Friday, February 15, 2002