Northwich home closed down following persistent reports of anti-social behaviour

An address in Northwich which has been plagued by persistent reports of anti-social behaviour and drugs related offences has been closed for three months.

On Wednesday 19 May officers from Northwich Local Policing Unit (LPU) secured a closure order for the property on Stanley Grove.

Officers applied for the order, which was granted by Chester Magistrates’ Court under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, after gathering a catalogue of evidence in relation to repeated reports of anti-social behaviour and drug related activity connected to the property.

Following the hearing the 42-year-old occupant of the address has been removed from the property and the house has been boarded up.

Police Constable Ellie Reddecliff, of Northwich Local Policing Unit, said: “I welcome the granting of this closure order and I hope that it provides reassurance to local residents.
“Over recent years we have gathered a catalogue of evidence in relation to persistent reports of anti-social behaviour and drugs offences connected to this address, making the lives of local residents hell.

“This has included a variety of incidents, including loud music, parties, deliberate fires inside and outside the address as well as allowing the property to be used for drink and drug related activity - all of which have had a hugely detrimental impact on the quality of life of local residents and has resulted in the use of a significant amount of resources from police, fire and the local authority.”

Over the next three months regular checks of the home will be conducted to ensure the closure order is not breached. If anyone is found to have breached the order they are liable to arrest and up to six months′ prison, or a £5,000 fine, or both.

Sergeant Andrew Cooper added: “People should be able to live in their homes without having to endure this sort of behaviour and this closure order is another example of our commitment to targeting those who undermine our communities and bring misery to residents.

“I want to thank the local residents for their support and their absolute patience as at times we had not always got it right - however through a problem solving approach, by PC Reddecliff, this will now give the community some much needed respite. Officers will continue to monitor the property over the coming months to ensure that there are no breaches of the closure order.”

Anyone who is concerned about anti-social behaviour in their community is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 or provide the details via www.cheshire.police.uk/tua .

Alternatively residents can report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.