Council Cracks Down On ASB With Closure Orders

Redditch Borough Council is sending a clear message that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated in its properties after completing two Closure Orders.

Working in partnership with West Mercia Police, the Council’s Housing Officers gained the order for 45 Sanders Close, Batchley from Kidderminster Magistrates Court on Monday (Oct 6).

The Closure Orders were pursued and granted following reports of anti-social behaviour at the properties, which were also damaged and neglected by the tenants.

Earlier this year, on March 10^th, the Council’s Housing Team gained a three month Closure Order for a property 14 Priors Oak where antisocial behaviour was significantly impacting on the lives of nearby residents. The order was extended for a further three months on June 9^th. This antisocial tenant has subsequently been evicted on the back of the Closure Order.

Portfolio-Holder For Housing Cllr Bill Hartnett said: “Our communities matter and we will not tolerate behaviour which has a negative impact on the lives of our residents and makes them feel unsafe in their homes’.

“By taking action not only are we re-establishing positive communities for our tenants but emphasising that we will take action to stamp out antisocial behaviour in our properties and neighbourhoods.”

These court outcomes are down to strong partnership working as part of the Safer Neighbourhood Communities with teams from the Police and Council who gathering compelling evidence to gain the orders.

Safer Neighbourhood Inspector for Redditch, Inspector Rich Field, said: "Tackling antisocial behaviour is a shared responsibility, and this Closure Order is a clear example of how police work collectively with a range of partners to protect our communities.

"Through joint efforts with the local authority and housing teams, we’ve used a range of powers to respond to persistent issues that have impacted residents' quality of life and we will continue to do so in future.”