Ashfield District Council and Nottinghamshire Police have ‘cracked down’ on anti-social behaviour as three properties have been closed on Nesbitt Street, Alfreton Road and Mansfield Road in Sutton.
The Council’s Community Safety Team and Neighbourhood Policing Team obtained the orders following numerous reports of criminality, organised crime, drug activity and high levels of anti-social behaviour taking place which was making the lives of local residents intolerable.
On 26 January 2023, the orders were approved under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 at Mansfield Magistrates Court meaning that the properties will be closed for a minimum period of three months. The order prohibits any persons from entering the property including the occupiers. Any breaches of the order would be an offence and those found breaching the requirements set under law would be liable for imprisonment and/or a fine.
The Council is addressing concerns with the landlords and owners of the properties and ensuring they are maintained to a decent and safe standard.
The closure power is a fast, flexible tool that can be used to protect victims and communities by quickly closing premises that are causing nuisance or disorder
Councillor Helen-Ann Smith, Ashfield District Council, Executive Lead Member for Community Safety and Crime Reduction, said:
“These properties were having a detrimental impact on the local community due to the irresponsible behaviour of those living and visiting the properties. We listened to the concerns of local residents and took action on the back of it. This case demonstrates the benefits of partnership working between the Council and the Police, and how we are working to make Ashfield a safer place for all.
“We are working hard to invest in the local area and tackle neighbourhood nuisance. The Community Safety Partnership has secured over £1.3 million worth of funding to invest in preventing crime and anti-social behaviour across the District through the Safer Streets Fund and Safer4All Fund.’’
Antonio Taylor, Community Safety Manager for Ashfield District Council, added:
“This is a fantastic result for the local community who should not have to put up with this type of behaviour. Residents were clearly impacted, and I am glad we could take prompt action to address the issues and reassure the local community.’’
Jon Hewitt – Ashfield Neighbourhood Policing Inspector of Nottinghamshire Police said:
“As a Neighbourhood Policing Team, we were very concerned with the issues taking place from the addresses involved, relating to cultivation of cannabis and concerns regarding fire hazards, modern day slavery and human trafficking.
“Following those warrants, we worked closely with Ashfield District Council to move forward with premises closure notices which means effectively the property will be closed to the occupiers and those who would have visited the property.”
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