A closure order has been granted for a flat in central Southend after months of anti-social behaviour, including reports of drug use, drunkenness and frequent disturbances.
Officers from Southend’s Neighbourhood Policing Team worked with Southend-on-Sea City Council and a local housing association to secure the order for Flat 16, The Clusters, on Baxter Avenue. The property’s tenant has now been evicted following numerous complaints from residents about disorder linked to the address.
Closure orders, granted by magistrates, allow police and local authorities to restrict access to a property where there has been ongoing nuisance or disorder. The order means no one is permitted to enter the flat except authorised staff from the council or the housing association. The housing provider will now begin civil proceedings to take full possession of the property.
Inspector Jane Childs from Southend Neighbourhood Policing Team said:
“We understand the impact that persistent anti-social behaviour has on residents’ wellbeing and safety. This closure order sends a clear message that we will take robust action to protect our communities when informal resolution is no longer effective.
“Nobody should have been forced to put up with the type of behaviour that the former resident at the flat subjected her neighbours to. There was incident after incident causing significant distress and disruption to the local community.
“If you witness or are the victim of anti-social behaviour, report it to us or the council and we will act — do not suffer in silence.”
Cllr Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services, added:
“This is a great result and shows what can be achieved when agencies work together to tackle anti-social behaviour. Nobody should have to live with this kind of disruption, and we’ll continue to use every power available to shut down premises and deal firmly with those who make life miserable for others.”
A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s been a nightmare for people here. There was shouting, constant noise and people coming and going at all hours. I’m relieved something has finally been done.”
The closure is the latest example of police and council teams using joint powers to tackle problem properties and improve safety for residents in Southend city centre.