CLOSED DOWN:
Police have closed down a ‘party house’ on a Stoke-ontrent street where properties have been sold for just £1. The closure order means no-one can enter the problem property - on Denbigh Street, in Hanley - until at least August 4.
It is a welcome relief to some residents in a street where there has also recently been a ‘big scrap’, people kicking doors down, and a knife-wielding man roaming around like ‘Edward Scissorhands’. The closure order was granted at Cannock Magistrates’ Court this week.
A notice stuck to the property states: “From the granting of this order, persons are prohibited from remaining, returning and/or entering the premises on Denbigh Street for a period of three months. Any person who enters the premises without the permission of Staffordshire Police or Cannock Magistrates’ Court commits an offence and can be arrested.” But neighbours spoken to by The Sentinel have not reported a particular problem with the ‘party house’.
Jack Richardson moved onto the street in 2019 and lives across the road. The 24-year-old said: “I have not had problems. In the past two days I have noticed some guy just standing outside looking like he is off his head. It is a bit of a party house.
“I have not heard the noise inside my house. I have just noticed it on the street.” He added: “It is a colourful street. There is always something going on. If you come out and have a look something is bound to happen at some point.”
Neighbour Nora Kokyova, aged 18, added: “I have been here for two months and have had no problems. I have no issues here. Everything is fine.”
Police have welcomed the court action after applying for the closure order. The force say that the closure comes after ‘persistent reports by local residents of ‘drug use, crime and anti-social behaviour’ linked to the address.
Sergeant Chris Gifford said: “Over the last few months there has been a large number of reports of drug use, crime and ASB at the address and this has had a detrimental impact on the lives of those living in the area.
This closure will hopefully see an end to the issues and allow local residents to enjoy their lives in peace. Local officers will continue to check on the address to ensure the closure is adhered to and there are no breaches.”