A BITTER row between feuding neighbours will end in a family of 11 gipsies being evicted.

The Chambers family will be booted out of their home within weeks by Broomleigh Housing Association for being "neighbours from hell".

But dad-of-nine Sylvester Chambers, of Robin Hood Green, St Mary Cray, says his family was persecuted: "There was a petition against us before we moved in. Two or three weeks after moving in we received a threatening anonymous letter as well. We have been persecuted by our neighbours because we are gipsies."

He said: "Other people in the road have said they have had nothing but hell from these families as well.

"They have insulted my children and called us filthy pikeys."

The family, with seven boys and two girls aged between one and 17, don't know where they will be moved to.

Some of the accused neighbours said they do not want to be named because they are scared of the repercussions.

One woman said: "We have been through hell and back over the years.

"How would you feel if someone tried to attack you with a ball and chain at 1.30 in the morning."

"We are everyday ordinary people who have stood up to them. We gained no pleasure out of it. We hope this whole episode can die a death."

A spokesman for Broomleigh Housing Association said: "This case was heard in court over three days and the judge listened to detailed evidence from both sides before deciding the family should be evicted.

"The decision was based on evidence of the family's behaviour towards their neighbours.

"We do not like having to evict people, but it is not acceptable for residents to behave in a way which causes nuisance and annoyance to their neighbours."

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