A MAN is set to be evicted from his council home – because he was using it as a base for drug dealing.

It will be the first time Basildon Council has evicted someone for commiting a crime and bosses have issued a stark warning there could be more.

The man, in his 40s, is being turfed out after being jailed for possessing class A drugs with intent to supply.

He will have to apply for a homelessness order and have his housing needs assessed once he is released from prison.

His house, in Wickford, will be given to another person on the council’s housing waiting list.

Tony Ball, council leader, said: “We expect our tenants to abide by the law and be good neighbours.

“This sends out the message breaking the law is unacceptable and we will use our powers to make sure those who do get brought to book.

“Other tenants who commit crimes could face the same consequences in the future – we’ve already done it for antisocial behaviour.”

The council is applying for an eviction warrant on the property and, once the house is ready, new tenants will move in.

Lesley O’Shea, the council’s interim area housing services manager, said: “This sends a clear message to tenants who commit criminal offences in and around their properties. There are no second chances. Not only can tenants end up on the wrong side of the law, but they can also get evicted from their home.”

Local authorities have the power to evict tenants involved in criminal activity or antisocial behaviour if it breaches their tenancy agreements.

Crime-related evictions hit the headlines last year, when several London councils evicted tenants who had been involved in last August’s riots.

The council’s latest tenancy agreement, published in April 2008, states tenants can’t use their home for illegal activity, such as using or selling drugs, and breaches of the contract can result in a possession order and eviction.