A COUPLE accused of making their neighbours’ lives a misery have been allowed to stay in their home for another week.

Basildon Council officials swooped on a flat in Clay Hill Road, Basildon, last Wednesday to serve the authority’s first closure notice on a property. The papers mean tenants Sara Penlington, 39, and Paul James, 36, could be thrown out.

They appeared before Basildon Magistrates Court on Friday to hear the council’s application to close their home for up to three months, but the hearing was adjourned for a week.

By evicting Penlington and James and closing the premises, the council hopes the alleged ongoing antisocial behaviour and public nuisance will come to an end.

Neighbours complained of loud noise, disorderly behaviour and disruption at all hours of the day and night.

The adjournment means the couple are temporarily allowed to remain at their home ahead of the court action on Friday, but visitors are not permitted.