Manchester City Council has been accused of ‘an abuse of power of nightmarish proportions' by the local government ombudsman. It follows the issuing of an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) against a woman, known as Mrs X, after a complaint from a new neighbour. In a damning report, ombudsman, Jerry White, said: ‘It is extraordinary that the allegations were never put to Mrs X before the council sought an ASBO against her, at first behind her back, and then by serving papers on her just days before a court hearing.' In June 2004, a neighbour, who had recently moved into the house opposite, complained about Mrs X, alleging verbal abuse, intimidation, loud music, threats of violence and offensive gestures. On 6 December 2004, the court granted an interim ASBO against Mrs X, but at a subsequent hearing, Mrs X produced 22 letters in her defence from other residents of the street, and on May 16 2005, the case was withdrawn. The Ombudsman recommends the council pay Mrs X £2,000 compensation, offer her a meeting with a senior officer and review its practice and procedure.
