MAGISTRATES have ordered a rented house in Grangetown to be closed for a period of three months following extensive reports of serious criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.
Teesside Magistrates’ Court heard that the property at Eversham Road, Grangetown, had become a centre for drug dealing, violence, and exploitation.
The closure order was successfully applied for by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, working in close partnership with Cleveland Police and the property’s landlord, Beyond Housing.
The Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team submitted a detailed report outlining a catalogue of incidents linked to the property, including the supply of Class A drugs such as crack cocaine and heroin, the presence of illegal weapons including knives and a machete, and reports of serious violence and intimidation. The property was also linked to child criminal exploitation and persistent anti-social behaviour.
Despite repeated attempts by Beyond Housing and the Council to engage with the tenant and offer support, all efforts were unsuccessful. The behaviour at the property was deemed to place other residents at significant risk of harm and had caused ongoing distress to the local community.
Cllr Adam Brook, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, and Ward Member for Grangetown said: “No one should have to live in fear or tolerate this level of criminality in their neighbourhood. I want to thank our officers, the police, and Beyond Housing for their tireless work in securing this closure order. This action sends a clear message that we will not hesitate to intervene when the safety and wellbeing of our communities are at risk.”
Inspector Anthony Ford from Greater Eston Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) said: “Thanks to some great partnership work with Beyond Housing and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, we were successful in our application to close an address on Eversham Road, Grangetown.
“I hope this result sends out a clear message and makes anyone who may be considering getting drugs through the mail from another country to think again. These residents lost their home as a result of their actions.
“This closure is a result of the partnership work under which aims to disrupt criminal activity, tackle offenders and implement long-term interventions that address the root causes of crime.
“If you suspect drug activity on your street, I’d encourage residents to continue to report crime or any concerns to Cleveland Police on 101 or the local authority so we can build intelligence and take action.”
Sarah Hall, Director of Housing at Beyond Housing, said: “Beyond Housing is committed to tackling all forms of anti-social behaviour and nuisance within our communities. Working with key partners such as Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and Cleveland Police, this closure will support the residents of Eversham Road to live in their homes peacefully.”