RESIDENTS in Penhill have waved goodbye to a neighbour who turned her home into a crack house.

People in Latton Close say they have been living in fear of being burgled or finding needles in their gardens because of the woman nicknamed Mad Mandy.

Police officers and the council moved in yesterday to board the property up after getting permission from Swindon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

Tenant Mandy Holland and her disabled partner Mark Lauder left the property quietly just after 9am.

The police say it shows people who use the homes for illegal purposes will be evicted.

One woman, who lives next to the run-down drugs den, said: "It's a big relief to see her go.

"We've had people coming and going at all times of night and day.

"They would have people around and they would be knocking on the windows at 2am or 3am and there would be different cars coming all the time.

"I didn't like to go out with my two dogs knowing my house was totally empty and we were worried we were going to find needles in the gardens. We had to check it before we let the dogs out."

In June the Adver revealed how Holland's car and that of the woman in the flat above were destroyed in an arson attack.

"When that happened we thought she had probably trod on someone's toes who she shouldn't have," the neighbour said.

"And the poor woman who lives above her had her brand new car go up in flames too. We were worried about other gangs coming down here and doing something."

The neighbour praised the work of the police and the council in dealing with Holland.

Another neighbour, who did not want to be identified, said: "I'm relieved. She would always come around wanting to borrow things and there were always comings and goings. It will definitely be a nicer, quieter place now."

The closure of the house was granted after police and the council spent months gathering evidence on what was going on there.

A raid at the home on Monday found piles of needles strewn throughout the building along with other drug-taking paraphernalia.

Police say Holland had opened her doors to other drug-users, causing misery for her neighbours.

Insp Adrian Burt said: "The closure demonstrates that if you use your home for illegal purposes you will lose it and that's what happened here. We will not tolerate the impact on local communities."

The property will be boarded up for three months and the police and council can ask for that period to be extended if necessary.

PC Melissa Carr, Penhill beat officer, said: "The house will be regularly patrolled to ensure that it remains secure and no-one tries to enter. "