Two social housing tenants in north Belfast have been turfed out by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for anti-social behaviour.

The authority took possession of the two properties in response to ongoing complaints.

The repossessed properties are in the New Lodge and Lenadoon areas of Belfast.

Housing Executive officials went to court and secured an Order for Possession in respect of both properties.

The orders were granted on the grounds of proven unacceptable behaviour by the tenants, which included loud noise, parties and abusive behaviour.

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Belfast Area Manager, Maurice Johnston said: "By undertaking this course of action we are attempting to offer protection to victims and reassurance to communities that anti social behaviour and nuisance will not be tolerated and that every individual is entitled to live in peace within their neighbourhood.

"The Housing Executive continues to work with other statutory agencies and community groups to tackle anti social behaviour and has a number of remedies at its disposal.

"These range from early interventions such as formally warning individuals of the possible legal consequences should their anti social behaviour not stop, the use of mediation, the use of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts which include an offer of additional support to divert the individual away from further anti social activity."

In the last two years the Housing Executive has obtained eight Orders for Possession in the Belfast area on the grounds of Anti-Social Behaviour, of which five have led to the tenant being evicted.

It has also obtained three Injunctions and eight people have signed Acceptable Behaviour Contracts in the city.

(PR/JM)