Trafford Council’s Community Safety Team and partners have closed down a home in Urmston that was a focus of anti-social behaviour, disorder and harassment towards neighbours.
With support from Greater Manchester Police and London & Quadrant Housing Trust, the Council successfully obtained a Full Closure Order at Manchester Magistrates Court for the terraced, single-storey house at Granville Road.
The application followed an investigation into criminality associated with the address and its occupant, involving repeated police attendance and arrests, and conduct causing alarm and distress to elderly and vulnerable residents living nearby.
A Full Closure Order is one of the strongest powers available under anti-social behaviour legislation.
For the next three months, nobody, including the tenant, may enter the property unless authorised by the court. The purpose of the order is to protect local residents from serious and persistent nuisance, disorder and criminal behaviour.
The court heard that numerous attempts had already been made to address the issues through housing management action, support services, police intervention, criminal proceedings and civil injunctions. Despite these measures, the problems continued.
Following the hearing, the order was immediately served, the locks were changed and additional security measures are being installed to secure the property.
Officers on site reported an exceptionally positive response from local residents. While the lock change was taking place, a number of neighbours approached officers to express their relief.
Residents were described as overjoyed by the outcome and hopeful that they would now be able to enjoy some peace and quiet after a period of disruption.
An additional effect of the order is that it now enables the landlord to consider longer-term tenancy enforcement action, including possession proceedings, should it consider that appropriate.
Cllr Keleigh Glenton, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Community Safety and Civil Contingencies, said:
“This result was achieved through close partnership working between Trafford Council's Community Safety Team, Greater Manchester Police and London & Quadrant Housing Trust, together with the support of local residents who continued to report incidents and provide information.”
Anyone wanting to report anti-social behaviour in their area an email safer.communities@trafford.gov.uk.
Information from local people is very important and can help the Council and partners to take action.