‘IT WAS EMBARRASSING TO SEE THE POLICE ALWAYS IN OUR ROAD’
50 incidents see problem property shut down
NEIGHBOURS have won their fight to shut down a nuisance house – after reporting more than 50 incidents of drug-dealing and anti-social behaviour.
They have seen doors kicked in at the problem property in Old Road, Stone – as well as windows smashed, rocks hurled and people trying to get inside. They have been lodging complaints since Halloween.
Now Staffordshire Police have secured a court order, which means no one can live in the privately-rented property until at least March 10.
Anyone who tries to get in during that time faces being arrested.
Neighbours say they have seen their lives blighted by noise and anti-social behaviour from the property.
Adrian Birkin, aged 45, of Old Road, said: “I’ve lived here for 24 years and only occasionally had problems – until now. It has been bad since the start of November and I’ve had to call the police a few times.
“But it is up to 40 minutes before the police arrive and the trouble is generally over before then. The house has had its windows smashed and doors kicked in – and local businesses have had trouble too.
“There have been people wandering around testing windows and doors on properties and vehicles.”
Mr Birkin said when the police searched the property there were people running out of the back.
He added: “We’ve been on tenterhooks and some lives have been wrecked with noise pollution and anti-social behaviour.
“It’s a shame to see the place empty and I imagine it’s a mess inside. But last night was lovely and quiet, and hopefully Christmas will be too.”
Neighbour Christopher Brookes, aged 56, said: “I often saw people walking around at 4am and 5am, and there were police cars here all of the time.
“The windows and doors were broken. It leaves you on edge, and it was embarrassing that the police had to keep coming out to our road.
“I would hate to live next door to that house and I think police have done the right thing.”
Police have warned court action will be taken to shut down other problem properties.
PC Mark Lyon said: “This area is home to a close-knit community, including many young families with children, and the anti-social behaviour and criminal activity taking place at this address was having a negative impact on their quality of life.
“We would like to thank the local community for their patience and cooperation during this process, and offer our reassurances that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.”