A SIDMOUTH council tenant was evicted from her home after letting her garden spiral “out of control”.

A SIDMOUTH council tenant was evicted from her home after letting her garden spiral “out of control”.

Housing chiefs went to court to oust the resident, claiming overgrown brambles, hedges and grass breached a tenancy agreement.

Estate management experts said they tried for months to get the garden tidied and the tenant “ignored” a court injunction ordering her to clean up.

With a housing waiting list of more than 2,500, East Devon District Council (EDDC) has vowed to take a tough line against tenants who breach their contracts.

“There are plenty of people waiting for a council home who would be happy to keep to their tenancy agreement,” said Councillor Jill Elson, EDDC portfolio holder for communities, adding: “No council likes to evict tenants, but if they breach their tenancy agreement, this can result in legal action being taken.”

The authority revealed it sought several court orders in a bid to force the tenant to tidy her garden to an acceptable standard.

Repeated chances were ignored, so an eviction order was granted, said and EDDC spokesperson.

The council won’t reveal where the tenant lived in Sidmouth.

The spokesperson added: “We are not keen to name and shame people, preferring to work with them through persuasion and understanding wherever possible.