Abigail Alexander, 40, of no fixed address, has been served with an Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction (ASBI) which prevents her from entering any council-owned residential buildings, or causing nuisance to tenants or their neighbours.

It is the first time that York Council has used an injunction to ban someone from all its residential properties. Alexander faces being arrested and fined or even jailed if she breaches the order's conditions.

A spokesperson for York Council's housing team said: "We have not undertaken this ASBI lightly. This action has been taken after numerous warnings and action against tenants who have allowed Abigail Alexander and others to reside with them and cause a nuisance to other residents.

"No sooner is the problem moved from one address, than Abigail Alexander turns up at another address. The same problems have occurred over and over again.

"Ms Alexander has had many warnings about the impact her presence has on her hosts and their neighbours. She's also been warned repeatedly that the council would take action against her if necessary. Unfortunately we have been forced to do that."

Alexander was evicted from her own tenancy for anti-social behaviour, but she has since been found to be staying at an estimated 22 council-owned properties throughout the city.

Residents of addresses where she is known to stay will be notified that they should ring the police if they believe that the injunction order has been breached.

The order states that Alexander cannot enter any residential premises owned by York Council, without express written permission of the authority.

She has also been ordered not to cause alarm, harassment or distress to anyone living in accommodation owned or managed by the council, or to any member of the authority's staff.

The injunction was issued at York County Court.