CIVIC chiefs have evicted an elderly couple from their home after years of anti-social behaviour.

Paul, 73, and Sheila Heanes, 76, were forced to leave their Meonstoke home of eight years after being taken to court by Winchester City Council.

Now they are living in their car with a pet dog and bird, and say they may even have to spend Christmas parked up in a lay-by.

Sheila said: "I'm not very well with swollen legs, the car is old and the heating doesn't work and we've got no money for a hotel room. The council need to help us, it's disgusting."

One of their former neighbours in Pound Cottages who wishes to remain anonymous said the pair were "up to no good for years".

They told the Echo: "I've lived here for just over two years and they have always been anti-social – just genuinely naughty people. One of the neighbours had a brand new car delivered, and the following morning they found screws in the tyres.

"I've always kept my head down, but I've heard the woman saying 'we'll stab you' to other people. They're up most nights banging and crashing around, and if they want you to hear something they'll say it loud enough to be heard.

"Sometimes they shine torches at windows in the night. Whenever the authorities get involved, they'll act innocent and tell them that the claims are lies.

"Now they're gone, it's a big improvement and I sleep undisturbed. It's an unfortunate time of year but they brought it on themselves."

Paul and Sheila deny all of the accusations. They are meeting with the city council today (November 27) in hope they will be given a new place to live.

Paul said: "The council did offer us a flat but said we couldn't take our German Shepherd, Angus. We're not just getting rid of our dog!

"He's not an ordinary dog, he saved us once. We were walking along Southampton Common when a group with knives came up to us and threatened us. He warded them away, that's for sure."

He added: "It's my birthday next week and I might have to spend it here. There might not even be a Christmas this year.

"It was a lovely place to live. It's just a shame the people aren't so nice."

The couple say they do not have any family to help them.

Winchester city councillor for the Upper Meon Valley Ward, Hugh Lumby, said: “It is terrible at this time of year in appalling weather with Christmas coming. We will do all we can to find somewhere else.

“These are very unfortunate circumstances. It is always sad when people lose their homes. The absolute priority is to get them somewhere else to live so they be undercover and housed before Christmas.”