NUISANCE neighbours were evicted from two council houses on the Branksome estate in Darlington yesterday.

Council officers attended the homes in Malvern Crescent, off Jedburgh Drive, at lunchtime and evicted a family from one and a male occupant from the other.

"We were taking action against both parties for neighbour nuisance," said a Darlington Borough Council spokesman.

"Both were in breach of their tenancy agreements. There was damage to the properties, youths congregating there and foul language.

"This sort of behaviour isn't tolerated."

He said the male occupant had not been living in his house but had allowed others to stay there. The previous evening police officers had attended the street to ensure there was no public disorder at a farewell party.

Acting Inspector Steven Steen, from Darlington police, said: "The families decided to have a farewell party in the street.

"We decided to send a Panda car and the dog section to sit outside the house. We went there to ensure there was no breach of the peace."

A man in his late 20s was arrested and later charged for disorderly behaviour.

Yesterday, police assisted the council with one of the evictions, but there was no further trouble.

"They went, if not willingly, then peacefully," said the council spokesman.