jrobertson
22-12-07, 08:29 AM
www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk (http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk) - 22 December 2007
I STOOD UP TO THE BULLY IN OUR STREET (http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=231771&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231774&contentPK=19336141&folderPk=108867&pNodeId=231888)
When nightmare neighbours started making life hell for residents in Whaddon Avenue, Veronica Overton decided to take a stand.The 61-year-old was abused and her property vandalised during Dawn Biggar's 18-month reign of terror but she refused to be bullied.
Mrs Overton recorded the catalogue of anti-social behaviour and encouraged neighbours to do the same.
Her action's led to Biggar's eviction in February 2006.
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In recognition of her bravery, the retired university caterer has received the highly commended award for being a good neighbour at the Cheltenham Federation Community Awards.
Award coordinator Kevin Daws said: "During all the times she was suffering from abuse, being called names and her property was being damaged she kept a brave face.
"She is a valued and much loved member of the community who is always helping her neighbours."
Mrs Overton made a video of the late-night foul-mouthed tirades which blighted the street and logged every instance of anti-social behaviour in a diary which was passed on to police and Cheltenham Borough Homes.
Her actions won her a national 'Respect for Taking a Stand' award at a ceremony in Birmingham in April.
She is urging other residents to stand up to those who blight lives.
Mrs Overton, who was widowed three years ago, said: "The street is really quiet now and that's really nice and makes a good change.
"Everything is going really well."
She says the eviction made a huge difference to residents quality of life.
Mrs Overton said: "My neighbours had a problem with her and one of them was an elderly lady whose husband was failing in health. What was going on made me cross with all the disturbances. And that spurred me on.
"The people that lived next to Dawn were really intimidated by her. I thought 'we can't have this' and I encouraged them to do what they had to do.
"After our success I would encourage people to stand up for themselves no matter how hard it is."
I STOOD UP TO THE BULLY IN OUR STREET (http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=231771&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231774&contentPK=19336141&folderPk=108867&pNodeId=231888)
When nightmare neighbours started making life hell for residents in Whaddon Avenue, Veronica Overton decided to take a stand.The 61-year-old was abused and her property vandalised during Dawn Biggar's 18-month reign of terror but she refused to be bullied.
Mrs Overton recorded the catalogue of anti-social behaviour and encouraged neighbours to do the same.
Her action's led to Biggar's eviction in February 2006.
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/images/spacer.gif
In recognition of her bravery, the retired university caterer has received the highly commended award for being a good neighbour at the Cheltenham Federation Community Awards.
Award coordinator Kevin Daws said: "During all the times she was suffering from abuse, being called names and her property was being damaged she kept a brave face.
"She is a valued and much loved member of the community who is always helping her neighbours."
Mrs Overton made a video of the late-night foul-mouthed tirades which blighted the street and logged every instance of anti-social behaviour in a diary which was passed on to police and Cheltenham Borough Homes.
Her actions won her a national 'Respect for Taking a Stand' award at a ceremony in Birmingham in April.
She is urging other residents to stand up to those who blight lives.
Mrs Overton, who was widowed three years ago, said: "The street is really quiet now and that's really nice and makes a good change.
"Everything is going really well."
She says the eviction made a huge difference to residents quality of life.
Mrs Overton said: "My neighbours had a problem with her and one of them was an elderly lady whose husband was failing in health. What was going on made me cross with all the disturbances. And that spurred me on.
"The people that lived next to Dawn were really intimidated by her. I thought 'we can't have this' and I encouraged them to do what they had to do.
"After our success I would encourage people to stand up for themselves no matter how hard it is."