'Asbo family' causes havoc in Kensington

Residents of a street in Kensington claim a so-called "Asbo family" is causing havoc in the area.

They say vandalism and disorder have multiplied since the 13-strong Julian family - mother Janet, father Thomas and their 11 children - were placed by the local council in a £500,000 five-bedroom house.

Police have been called several times to investigate reports of noise, fighting and broken car windows.

TVs, stereos and screaming reportedly blast out of open windows until late at night. Other residents with homes worth up to ?1 million - close to the Notting Hill homes of Jamie Theakston and Geri Halliwell - have tried without success to have the family evicted or served with an anti-social behaviour order.

"This was a lovely road until they moved in," said one neighbour. "The noise coming out of their house at all hours - whether it's the kids or the TV - has to be heard to be believed. I can't think what the council was playing at. They must have known it would be a nightmare."

Charlotte Edwardes said: "I had at least ?2,000 of damage done to my car. My neighbour saw it all. When I asked why he didn't confront the vandal he said no one dares mess with the 'Asbo family'."

Janet Julian said her neighbours "gossip to each other but never say anything to my face." She added: "At first I liked it here, but we haven't been made very welcome by some people. I don't work because I have children to look after.

"My husband Thomas worked his whole life paying his taxes. I used to work as well, in laundries. We've put in, so now we are taking out."

The couple and their children - Mia, 18 months; Tee-Jay, four; twins Peter and Joseph, five; Anne-Marie, seven; Nicky, nine; David, 10; Jimmy, 12; Paul, 14; Mason, 15; and Emma, 18 - live on child tax credit, housing benefit and Mr Julian's pension from early retirement as a builder due to ill-health.

Mr Julian, 64, originally from St Lucia, said: "We might have the music on sometimes but apart from that I don't see what the problem is."

Kensington and Chelsea council said: "We are investigating reports of anti-social behaviour. The family were moved in because this is one of our rare five-bedroom properties."

Scotland Yard said officers had been called "several times" to reported disturbances at the address.