YOBBISH menace Graham Burbage may have been a trained psychologist - but the best therapy for his neighbours came when the council evicted him.

Burbage was kicked out of his council flat in Dringhouses, York, after subjecting fellow residents to a decade of antisocial abuse.

"No one will be shedding tears tonight," said one relieved neighbour, safe in the knowledge that Burbage, 37, would not be coming back.

Neil McFarlane, City of York Council's tenancy enforcement manager, praised those brave enough to make a stand against the neighbourhood menace. He said the eviction sent out a "clear message".

As reported in yesterday's Press, the council secured possession of the flat in Chaloner's Crescent after a hearing at York County Court last month.

Burbage was given 28 days to pack his bags and leave - which he has done at last, to the delight of those living nearby.

Stanley Hall, who lives a few doors from Burbage's former first-floor flat, said: "I was glad to see him go, without a doubt. He has always been trouble.

"He was so bad-tempered. He would get absolutely furious about little things, like when I wouldn't lend him cigarette paper."

Mr Hall, 77, added: "No one around here has a good word to say about him. We won't be shedding any tears now he's gone."

Nasrin Miah, aged 21, who lives across the road from the flat, said: "He would be so rowdy, we used to hear him all the time. The police came round quite often, and so did the ambulance. It's good he's left."

Burbage's eviction followed a catalogue of complaints to the council from neighbours, including:

Begging for money and food

Playing music or watching television loudly late at night

Banging noises and the sound of DIY activity late at night

Screaming and shouting coming from the property

It is not known where Burbage - who said he has a degree in applied psychology from York St John University College - is now living. Mr McFarlane said: "Complaints from neighbours and other members of the local community have persisted for more than a decade. The outcome of this case is the result of intensive joint working by the council, North Yorkshire Police and the local community.

"It demonstrates what can be achieved when people make a stand against this type of behaviour. It sends out a clear message that every effort will be made to root out and deal with nuisance neighbours."

Updated: 09:48 Wednesday, April 26, 2006