Council bosses in Bury back call to evict rioters

Date published: 16 August 2011

Bury Council is sending out a tough message to looters who live in council owned properties.

The message is clear - individuals who are found guilty of involvement in rioting or looting are at risk of eviction.

Bury Council has consistently taken a tough line on crime and anti-social behaviour and the council will utilise, if appropriate, the necessary powers to evict individuals if they are found guilty of public order offences linked to looting and rioting.

Councillor Mike Connolly, Leader of Bury Council said; “I'm sure that all Bury people are as disgusted and angry about what's happened as I have been, and want the toughest action possible taken against these criminals”.

“I'm also going to spell it out for anyone who hasn't got the message yet - we will do whatever we can to make sure that anyone from Bury who takes part in such criminal acts feels the full force of justice - and I warn you that if you are one of our tenants, you are running the risk of being evicted”.

“Although this violent crime wave has not blighted our borough I can assure you that the council has been working constantly with our partners in the police and other agencies to make sure we are prepared to deal with any disturbances that may occur”.

Paul Nuttall, North West MEP, UKIP said: "I am pleased that Bury Council is taking a firm line with anyone involved in rioting or looting.

Thankfully the borough was not caught up in the recent wave of violence but the local authority is quite right to be adopting a tough stance if such incidents occur.

We have all seen that many of those involved in the riots are juveniles, who sadly have no respect for themselves, anyone else and least of all authority, but the prospect of their families being evicted from their homes may, perhaps, encourage their parents to keep a tight rein on them".