TEIGNBRIDGE Council has pledged to use its powers to stamp out anti-social behaviour.

The council has just seen two of its anti-social behaviour notices at addresses in the district reinforced by magistrates who threw out appeals against them.

Cllr Suzanne Sanders (Lib Dem, Chudleigh) said: “Residents should not have to put up with behaviour that makes them feel unsafe or unhappy in their own neighbourhood.”

The Community Protection Notices (CPNs) were issued after investigations into incidents involving aggressive and intimidating behaviour, including an unprovoked assault and repeated bonfires that caused a nuisance to neighbours.

The council says the magistrates court decisions reinforced its ability to take action where the legal threshold for enforcement has been met.

Cllr Sanders, the council’s executive member for neighbourhoods, added: “CPNs are not something we issue lightly. They are used when other approaches have not resolved persistent problems and there is clear evidence that action is needed.

“These decisions support the action taken by the council in these cases. Where behaviour continues to seriously affect people’s quality of life, we will use the powers available to us.

“We encourage anyone experiencing anti-social behaviour to report it, and we will continue to support people affected by anti-social behaviour and work with partners to help keep communities across Teignbridge safe.”

The council says CPNs can be used where behaviour is unreasonable, persistent and has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those living nearby. All available evidence is considered before taking action, working alongside police and housing providers where necessary.

Anyone affected by anti-social behaviour can report it through the council’s website.