Relief as anti-social neighbour is evicted
RESIDENTS in and around a block of flats have said good riddance to nuisance neighbours after police temporarily evicted the occupants.
The flat, in Waterside Close, Loughborough, has now been shut for three months to the tenants and any visitors due to “persistent” and “significant” disorder.
A closure order was obtained by police after an application was made by local officers and granted by the courts on August 1.
While support has been offered to the occupants of the property, if they try to enter or breach the order they could be fined, imprisoned or both.
The Mercury visited the road to speak to residents who backed the order alongside Charnwood Borough Council.
One resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “I honestly am glad to see the back of them. I never got to know who lived there and I don’t want to. All I know is they had no worry for those of us living around them.”
While the details surrounding the closure are unclear, a spokesman for the force said a person had engaged in anti-social behaviour on the premises and that the premises were associated with significant and persistent disorder or persistent serious nuisance to members of the public.
One person who lives in the same block of flats said: “It didn’t come as a shock. I don’t like to speculate, usually, but you could always smell drugs com
AUTHORITIES ACT AMID ALLEGATIONS OF DRUG USE
ing up and down the stairs. Disrespectful – and that’s all I’m going to say about it”.
Another resident said: “It gives the rest of us living here a bad reputation when most of us are just trying to live our lives.”
Access will only be permitted to the property for emergency services, any future tenant or tenants housed by Charnwood Borough Council.
Inspector Matt Oswin said: “Our officers have worked to address concerns being raised in relation to the property and were left with no other option but to obtain a closure order. It has been supported by the borough council, as well as many residents.
“We hope this helps to continue providing reassurance in the area. Please continue to work with us and report your concerns regarding anti-social behaviour and criminal activity so that we can take the appropriate action required to help keep our communities a safe and enjoyable place to be.”
Charnwood borough councillor James Poland said: “We have a duty of care to protect residents and I hope this sends a clear message that disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated in or around council properties.”
■ To report anti-social behaviour, call the police on 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.