Council to review its records after death of lecturer

A council has said it will review its records after a university lecturer repeatedly contacted officials asking for help with problem neighbours before committing suicide.

Oxford-educated Dr Suzanne Dow, who worked in the University of Nottingham’s French department, took her own life after months of being terrorised by locals at her home in Beeston, Nottingham.

She first contacted Broxtowe Borough Council in September 2010, and a further 10 times after reporting incidents with tenants in council housing next door.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

According to reports, she was verbally abused, saw drug dealing and fights with knives and could not sleep.

A spokeswoman for the council said her complaints were mainly about anti-social behaviour and noise.

The tenants were issued with a red light warning on August 19, 2011, meaning they could be evicted if problems continued, the spokeswoman said.

Ms Dow, whom the university described as a highly dedicated teacher and an exceptionally gifted linguist, eventually took her own life in October 2011.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Following an inquest into her death, Broxtowe Borough Council said it would review the case and take on board criticisms made by Nottinghamshire Coroner Mairin Casey, who recorded a verdict of suicide.

The organisation said Ms Dow’s case was complex and all those involved were extremely vulnerable; an injunction was one possible course of action and the council was working with individuals involved in order to try to avoid imposing one.

Joh Bryant, head of housing at Broxtowe Borough Council, said: “Broxtowe Borough Council wishes to express its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Dr Suzanne Dow and assure them and the public that it has taken the coroner’s comments and advice very seriously indeed.

“The council cares a great deal about its tenants and residents and it will review the findings of the case and learn any lessons it needs to learn.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Nottinghamshire Police received five reports from Ms Dow, who had worked at the University of Nottingham since 2006, that dated back to 2010.

Inspector Craig Berry said they related to concerns of a disturbance at a neighbouring address, alleged criminal damage, harassment, threatening behaviour and a historic offence which happened elsewhere in the country.