Residents' misery ends as court bans on-street car repairs

A 68-year-old man from Hanwell has been slapped with a three-year country-wide ASBO for turning part of the town into an on-street garage for his scrap metal business.

Manny (Emmanuel) Bignall, of Cambridge Road, was also caught driving without a licence and insurance. He was given a year’s driving ban and ordered to pay £800 in fines and court costs.

Ealing Magistrates’ Court heard how Bignall had made the lives of his neighbours a misery through his anti-social antics.

In addition to carrying out on-street car repairs and blocking the road and pavement with scrap metal and car parts, magistrates found there was overwhelming evidence that the pensioner had threatened and intimidated his neighbours.

He landed himself in court following a joint council and police operation to restore peace to the residential road.

Council and police officers visited the area in September 2006 and found cars and vans being dumped in Cambridge Road and in the car park of the Red Lion pub. In total seven vehicles, including one stolen car, were found. Five untaxed vehicles including the stolen car were removed with two taxed cars driven off by Bignall.

Councillor Will Brooks, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We will not tolerate our streets being abused in this way for the ill-gotten gains of cowboy traders. People expect clean, tidy roads where they can enjoy living in peace. We have ordered officers to take tough action against anyone flouting the law.”

PC Stuart McNair, Anti Social Behaviour Co-Coordinator, Ealing Borough Police said: “Officers from Elthorne Safer Neighbourhood Team along with Ealing Council representatives have worked consistently with the local community over the past couple of months to secure this ASBO. The effort and dedication shown highlights our commitment to the residents of Ealing Borough that we are committed to tackling those problems that matter most to them.”

A breach of any of the Anti-social Behaviour Order conditionsleave Bignall open to arrest. If you witness a breach of any conditions associated with Bignall’s ASBO, contact: Elthorne Ward Safer Neighbourhood Team on 020 8246 9461 or Ealing Borough Police (non emergency telephone number) on 020 8246 1212

Any residents who are experiencing similar problems should contact the council’s envirocrime team on 020 8825 6000.

January 9, 2007