TWO persistent nuisances could be banned from Colchester’s Greenstead estate for a combined 13 years.

Colchester Borough Homes wants injunctions to stop Bevan Ash, 42, and Karn Statham, 17, setting foot on the estate.

It wants to ban Ash for ten years and Statham for three.

The bans would be the longest sought by the organisation, which manages Colchester Council’s social housing.

If the injunctions are granted by Colchester Magistrates’ Court, the pair could face jail if they breach their orders.

Sue Nice, antisocial behaviour team leader at Colchester Borough Homes, said: “This is the first time we have tried to take out injunctions for these periods of time. The motivation behind the injunctions is to stop people who are having a major impact on the community at Greenstead being able to cause problems."

She added: “We believe we are taking a very proactive approach in dealing with antisocial behaviour and want to use every means available.”

Ash, 42, received a life-long antisocial behaviour order two-and-a-half years ago banning him from begging after he tried to trick elderly people into giving him money.

The injunction would go a step further by banning him from entering the estate.

A Greenstead resident who has complained about Ash, but did not want to be named, said: “It is a shame it has had to come to this.

“But it would be a lot better for me and others on the estate whom he has upset.

“I think an injunction against people who persistently cause trouble is a brilliant idea.

“I am just hoping it will be enforced.”

Colchester Borough Homes said Statham had persistently behaved in an antisocial manner, but would not go into more detail.

Julie Young, councillor for St Andrew’s ward, said: “I think it’s extreme action and it’s not something I want to see used lightly. But I think for certain individuals, I would support that kind of hard approach.

“People can reform their behaviour and rehabilitate themselves. There are others, however, for whom that’s not possible.”

The injunctions would apply to the entire estate – Avon Way, Forest Road, Hickory Avenue, Hawthorn Avenue, Bromley Road and Longridge and the roads they encompass.

No date has been set for a hearing.