Ellesmere Port home closed down for the second time

A house in Ellesmere Port which has been plagued by anti-social behaviour and drug related activity has been closed down for the second time in less than 12 months.

On Friday 30 July officers from Ellesmere Port Local Policing Unit (LPU) were granted a closure order for a property on Briarfield Road at Chester Magistrates’ Court.

The order, which was granted under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, was applied for after officers gathered a catalogue of evidence in relation to anti-social behaviour and drug related activity at the address.

All of its windows and doors have been boarded up and will remain so for three months. Anyone who enters the address during that time is committing an offence and can be arrested. 

Police Constable Warwick Evans, of Ellesmere Port Beat Team said: “The occupant of this address was initially removed in December 2020 after officers gathered a catalogue of evidence demonstrating that property was being used as a drugs den by both dealers and users.

“As the building is privately owned, the owner of the property took the decision to allow the occupant to return once the closure order had ceased. 

“Despite the initial warning, within weeks of returning to the address officers were contacted by concerned local residents reporting that the illegal activity had returned, and it was once again having a negative impact on their quality of life, leaving us with no option but to apply for a second closure order.

“Following this second order we are now looking at a more permanent solution to prevent the occupant from returning to the address.

“The Ellesmere Port Beat Management team is dedicated in targeting those who present most harm and risk to the community and I hope that this result provides reassurance to local residents.

“If you are affected by such activity please let us know so that we can help you and your neighbours reclaim your neighbourhood.” 

Local residents are encouraged to report any concerns to Cheshire Constabulary at on 101 or at www.cheshire.pnn.police.uk/tua .

Information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.