MAGISTRATES have ordered a Guisborough rented flat to be closed for three months after hearing of more than two dozen incidents of criminal and anti-social behaviour.
The Teesside Court was informed of reports of weapons being held at the rented apartment at Helmsley House in the town as well as stolen property. There was also evidence of drug taking.
Neighbours also endured anti-social behaviour including begging, banging on doors, groups of people loitering in the immediate area, bags being dumped in corridors, loud noise through the night and many other disturbances.
The application to close the property was made by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council with the support of landlords Beyond Housing. Officers from both organisations supplied evidence and statements. Cleveland Police, who raided the property last month after hearing reports of drug use and dealing and found drugs paraphernalia, also supported the application.
The court was informed the tenant was a man in his 40s. The flat has also been occupied by a woman in breach of the tenancy agreement - despite the woman having a Community Protection Notice served on her which includes the condition not to enter Helmsley House.
Statements supplied to the court identified at least six known serious drug users at the property.
Magistrates made the order that the property should be closed and occupants evicted last week (Wednesday 6 December).
Following the judgement, Cllr Ursula Earl, Cabinet Member for Health, Welfare and Housing, said: “This must have been intolerable for the decent people living in Helmsley House and this kind of behaviour simply can not be tolerated. I’d like to thank our anti-social behaviour officers as well as colleagues in the police and Beyond Housing for all their hard work getting this to court. We won’t hesitate to do what it takes to support our residents who simply wish to go about their lives in peace.”
Cleveland Police Inspector Neil Deluce said: “Anti-social behaviour and drug dealing has a huge impact on the quality of lives of residents living nearby and often feeds into further types of criminality.
“My officers and I will continue to arrest offenders, close problem properties, and protect the community from those who seek to benefit from crime. I hope this closure order reassures the community that we can and will take action.
“We will continue to work closely with Redcar and Cleveland Council as we know it takes a combined effort to tackle the issue. I’d like to thank the council as well as Beyond Housing for assisting with this closure.
“Information from the public is also vital as it allows us to build intelligence for action to be taken. Please contact us on 101 with any issues or concerns."