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Police and New Charter attend as the Premises Closure Order is enforced
Police have used their powers to close a family’s home in response to persistent anti-social behaviour.
Using the powers and procedures provided by the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, the police can, working in consultation with the local authority, apply to close dwellings where severe nuisance and anti-social behaviour occur in residential areas. The power is only used as a last resort where previous interventions and enforcement activity have failed to stop the anti-social behaviour.
The Premises Closure Order was made after complaints to Greater Manchester Police, Tameside council and New Charter about serious persistent nuisance and disorder at a home in Cumberland Grove, Ashton-under-Lyne. Police applied to Tameside Magistrates Court for the Order following information provided by residents and with the agreement of the local authority and New Charter.
Inspector Tony Alogba said: “Everyone has the right to
feel safe and secure in their own home and this family’s
severe anti-social behaviour made the lives of those living around
them a misery. We are committed to dealing with the issues that
matter most to local people. Anti-social behaviour is a blight on
local communities and we will continue to target those that show no
regard for others.”
The Closure Order is effective for up to three months and anyone
who enters the semi-detached house commits an offence and can be
arrested.
Chairman of the bench, Trevor Hulmes said: “We were satisfied all statutory requirements had been met.”
Managing Director of New Charter Homes, Tony Powell said: “Last month we obtained an Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction with power of arrest attached. The tenant breached this and was arrested by police. She was remanded in custody for a week before appearing in front of a District Judge. She was warned any further breaches would be dealt with severely. But further nuisance followed.
“So far, we have taken all the action open to us. Because the tenant has not responded, the police applied for the most effective route to restoring peace and quiet in the neighbourhood. Faced with lack of cooperation from the tenant, we were seeking possession of the home.”
After magistrates granted the Closure Order, the tenant
consulted her legal representative and voluntarily terminated her
tenancy.
Tameside council’s Head of Community Safety Councillor John
Taylor said: “This is an example of how effective the Crime
and Disorder Reduction Partnership is on behalf of the community.
We shared our expertise and powers to find the solution to this
anti-social behaviour.”
Inspector Alogba recognised the support from the neighbourhood. He said: “This closure would not have been possible without the support of the local community and I would like to thank everyone who has provided information to enable us to close this residence.”
