Rainworth residents are set to receive further respite from a problem property.
That’s after an existing closure order on a flat was extended for three more months over concerns that issues could resurface.
Flat 5, Silver Court, in South Avenue, was boarded up earlier this summer following a series of noise complaints and other antisocial behaviour (ASB).
Newark and Sherwood District Council tried to enforce a closure order in response to a three-year period that saw frequent reports of loud music, singing, shouting and abuse blasted through speakers within the address.
Those attempts were ultimately successful back in June, with a court taking the decision to grant a three-month order banning anyone from entering the flat during that time, due to the distress the behaviour was causing other residents.
Following concerns that the property’s tenant behind the ASB issues, Scott Davies had continued to engage in similar behaviour elsewhere in the community, an application was made by the council to extend the closure order.
Supported by Rainworth’s neighbourhood policing team, the council’s request was granted at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 11 September over concerns that Mr Davies, 50, could return to the flat and resume the behaviour that caused nuisance and annoyance to others.
As a result, Flat 5, Silver Court, will remain boarded up for a further three months, with it now being a criminal offence for anyone to enter the property until 12 December.
Anyone who defies this closure order faces the prospect of imprisonment and/or a hefty fine.
Agencies have continued to support those affected by the ASB related to the property in question, while also working to identify longer-term solutions for Mr Davies.
PCSO Tracy Stokes, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Rainworth neighbourhood policing team, said:
“We know, having heard the concerns from the local community, about the distress the issues linked to this flat were causing for other residents.
“The excessive noise coming from this address made neighbours’ lives a misery for some time, with Scott Davies at the centre of all of these problems.
“Despite the initial closure order being in place, Mr Davies has continued similar behaviour elsewhere in the community, which led to valid fears that he could resume his antisocial behaviour within Silver Court.
“We were therefore more than happy to work in partnership with the council to secure the extension of this closure order, which we’re delighted to see a court has now accepted.”
Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said:
“Securing an extension to this closure order is an important step in continuing to protect residents who have endured a significant amount of disruption and distress over a prolonged period.
“The use of this power is always carefully considered, and many factors are taken into account, including options for support and alternative enforcement options. This extension reflects the ongoing concerns raised by partners and the evidence presented to the court. We remain committed to supporting those affected by antisocial behaviour and working with partner agencies to find longer-term solutions wherever possible.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe and comfortable in their own home, and we will continue to use the powers available to us where necessary to protect our communities.”
