Westlea wins court order against 'cannabis factory' couple

A Chippenham couple who grew cannabis in their attic could lose their home if there is any further drug finds at the property - or other breaches of tenancy for nuisance or antisocial behaviour - following Court action taken by Westlea Housing.

This follows an October 2008 police raid at the property in Westcroft, Chippenham, which revealed about twenty five cannabis plants were being grown in the roof space of the house; damage had been caused to the roof supports to enable the plants to be grown. Tenants Stephen Pitts and Lezane Pitts were both arrested.

In November 2009, Mr Pitts was convicted of cultivation of cannabis and criminal damage at Swindon Crown Court; he was given an 18 month community order and ordered to pay compensation of £327 towards the cost of repairs to the roof.

Westlea Housing Association then commenced Possession Proceedings against the tenants for breaches of their tenancy agreement. And last week a ‘Suspended Possession Order’ lasting two years was issued at Swindon County Court against Mr and Mrs Pitts. This order means if there are any further drug finds or other breaches of tenancy for nuisance or antisocial behaviour at their home in Westcroft, Mr and Mrs Pitts could lose their home.

Anna Kelly, Westlea’s Senior Antisocial Behaviour Officer, said: “We have a duty to make sure our properties are kept free from illegal drug cultivation and illegal use of drugs.

“We are obliged to make applications for possession of a property when tenants have criminal convictions for drug offences and have committed the offences in, or near, the property.

“It is important that our tenants realise we will not tolerate criminal or antisocial behaviour in our properties and will always take action to enforce tenancy agreements.”