Colchester Borough Homes (CBH) and Colchester City Council are urging all tenants to understand and follow the terms of their tenancy agreements, following a serious case in which a council resident lost her home and was arrested after repeated incidents of fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.
The tenant, who lived in a family home on Erle Harvard, West Bergholt, was served multiple warnings and notices in 2024 after deliberately dumping rubbish in her garden and on nearby communal paths. Despite being offered advice and support to clear the waste, she refused to cooperate, continuing to breach her tenancy agreement.
As a result of ongoing fly-tipping and non-compliance, CBH and the City Council were forced to take legal action. A Fixed Penalty Notice was issued alongside a breach of tenancy case. On 2 June, the County Court issued an Outright Possession Order, confirming that the tenant would be evicted.
The situation escalated when the tenant failed to engage with authorities and disappeared from the area. On 25 June, she was arrested by police in Swindon on a warrant issued by Colchester Magistrates’ Court.
Colchester Borough Homes’ Housing Services team, along with its Community Caretakers and Anti-Social Behaviour Team, worked in close coordination with the City Council’s Neighbourhood Wardens to manage the case.
Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods & Leisure, said: “The vast majority of our tenants take pride in their homes and communities. Sadly, this case shows what happens when someone refuses to respect those around them or the terms of their tenancy. We do not take legal action lightly, but we have a duty to protect our neighbourhoods and ensure public spaces remain clean and safe for everyone.
“The council is always willing to support residents with guidance on waste disposal. But we expect all tenants to take responsibility for their environment. Fly-tipping is illegal and anti-social. This case is a reminder that no one is above the rules. Unfortunately, this individual chose to ignore repeated opportunities to correct their behaviour and has now faced serious consequences.”
For more information on fly-tipping regulations and how to report incidents, visit: www.colchester.gov.uk/fly-tipping.
Page last reviewed: 30 June 2025