A FATHER who helped convict a drug dealer in the house next door has welcomed news that the pusher is to be evicted.
But Adam Edwards, of Norfolk Grove, Church, has criticised Hyndburn Homes for failing to act soon enough to protect his family.
He says the delay forced him to put his family in danger by handing a CCTV tape of evidence against Karl Bates to the Observer.
The Observer subsequently contacted police who last month secured a conviction against Bates for supplying drugs and possessing illegal weapons.
He was sent to prison for two years eight months.
Mr Edwards said: "It's great that we have managed to get rid of him at long last.
"We were worried about the consequences at the time and obviously there haven't been any.
"From what he was saying I don't think he was planning to come back. He wants to move away and make a fresh start."
He added: "I asked Hyndburn Homes a long time ago to take action against Karl but they wouldn't do until he was convicted.
"That's why I came to the Observer because nothing has been done by any of the authorities.
"That really annoyed me because I had to do what I did to get him removed from the property, putting myself in danger.
David Perry, who manages the anti-social behaviour team for Hyndburn Homes, said: "As soon as it became apparent that Mr Bates was breaching his tenancy agreement we served notice on him and subsequently applied to court for a possession hearing in July.
"The judge considered a witness statement from police officers involved in the execution of the drugs warrant and a community impact statement provided by the community beat manager.
"The judge had no hesitation in giving us a forthwith possession order."
He added: "This action has been a direct result of working closely with the police and other agencies to gather evidence required to secure the eviction.
"Hyndburn Homes is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour in all forms and other tenants and residents will face action if they continue to cause nuisance."
