Warning to problem tenants after triple property closure

Police have sent a warning to antisocial tenants after closing three problem properties in one day.

The flats, part of the Layton Burroughs development in Mansfield, had frequently been the scene of criminal and antisocial behaviour and have now been closed by officers.

The orders, granted at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Friday (10 May), prevent anyone from entering the property for a period of three months and will allow the land to begin possession proceedings.

A fourth property has been partially closed, with tight restrictions placed on who can and can’t visit the address after concerns were raised about the resident’s welfare.

Officers have worked for several weeks to prepare detailed files of evidence –  describing incidents of drug dealing, violent crime and other behaviours that had caused upset to other residents.

PC Patrick Shone, the officer responsible for the local area, said:

“The Layton Burroughs area should be a good place for people of all ages to live.

“It’s a modern and well-maintained development with a large communal garden and a great community spirit, and we won’t allow a small minority of residents to have a such a negative impact on their neighbours.

“These properties were very clearly linked to the supply of illegal drugs, which we believe is the root cause of other related offending and antisocial behaviour that have caused other residents such distress.

“We recognise too that the people involved can be intimidating and that neighbours may be fearful of standing up to these individuals.

“We, however, are not and will not hesitate to take similar action if this kind of behaviour continues in this area.”

Working with landlords PA Housing and Mansfield District Council, officers obtained multiple witness statements to present to the court.

The closure orders prohibit the former tenants from returning to the address and can be extended for longer if required. Any breach of the order is criminal offence in itself.

Councillor Angie Jackson, Joint Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Safer Communities at Mansfield District Council, said:

“I am pleased that, after a lot of hard work and perseverance from all partners involved, we have secured the closure of these problem properties. It is not fair or right for a small minority of residents to blight the area with illegal activity, so I hope this sends a strong message that we will not tolerate such behaviour in our communities.

“The council will continue to work with and support the police to make our communities safer and nicer for residents to live in.”