THREE nuisance families have been evicted from a Gloucester road after plaguing neighbours with anti-social behaviour.

The families were thrown out of Overbrook Road in Hardwicke after reports of loud music and youngsters gathering around drinking.

Police and environmental health officers from Stroud District Council were called to the scene to hand out a noise abatement order.

But because of the levels of anti-social behaviour in the past, it was decided more decisive action was needed.

Gloucester South police inspector Neil Smith said people in the street had "suffered enough".

The families have moved to other areas of Gloucester, although police won't confirm where. Some residents in Overbrook Road said they were happy to see the families go.

One man, who did not want to be named, said: "They were drinking all the time and hanging around outside on their front drive.

"We couldn't come out of our own front door without seeing them.

"They were noisy until 2-3am. They didn't seem to want to get jobs. They had the money to buy beer and that was that. Since they've gone it's been lovely."

Another woman added: "They were always outside their house."

But other residents said the triple eviction had been an over-reaction.

One said: "There was nothing wrong with them. There wasn't really a problem. The kids were out the front so they were there watching them. They were outside chilling. People on the other side of the road are posher. They have jobs. They look down their noses at us who don't."

The eviction was made easier through a new initiative called Project Solace, launched earlier this month, where police work with other agencies to tackle anti-social behaviour.

In this case they worked with Gloucester City Homes and Gloucester City Council's anti-social behaviour officer. CCTV has also been installed in the road.

Mr Smith said: "We took this action with our partners in the Solace team as a last resort because the people in this street had suffered enough and there was no alternative.

"There has been a noticeable improvement in the area since the families have left and a sharp reduction in reports of anti-social behaviour, which shows how this new initiative is helping to make a real difference already."

Ashley Green, chief executive of Gloucester City Homes, said: "Project Solace demonstrates the commitment of all multi-agency partners to tackle anti-social behaviour effectively where it exists in our communities."

To report anti-social behaviour involving a private tenant or home owner call 0800 4082000.