Hucknall property closed for 6 months
A Closure Order for a property on St Marys Way (off George Street), described as a ‘drug hotspot’ and ‘crime catalyst’, has been extended for a further 3 months.
The property in question has been linked to high levels of crime, anti-social behaviour and drug activity leaving residents in fear. Previous inspections of the property found drug paraphernalia and a bypassed electricity meter which was a fire concern and posed a significant risk to members of the public.
As a result of the issues reported to the Council’s Community Safety Team and Nottinghamshire Police, the partnership took swift action to reassure the local community and obtain all relevant evidence to put an immediate stop to the issues by obtaining a Closure Order at Court on 15 September 2022.
Due to ongoing public safety concerns, the Council and Police applied for an extension of order at Nottinghamshire Magistrates Court which was approved on 14 December 2022. The Court was satisfied that the extension of the Closure Order is necessary to prevent disorderly, offensive or criminal behaviour at the premises and serious nuisance to members of the public.
The extension granted under section 76 and 77 of the ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014 will remain in force until 14.30 hours on 14th March 2023.
The order will prohibit access at all times and in all circumstances to all persons apart from:
- Emergency Services
- Any future tenants or tenants as housed by Ashfield District Council
- Any representatives as authorised by Ashfield District Council
Councillor John Wilmott, Ward Councillor for Hucknall North said:
“The Council’s Community Safety Team have been working in partnership with the Police to proactively deal with these types of issues within our estates and town centres across the District. significant funding has been secured within the last 3 months by the Community Safety Partnership to enhance community safety across Hucknall which will include developing increased CCTV provision and support for those who are vulnerable. This is another example of Councillors, the Council and Police listening to and acting on local residents concerns and the result is a safer place for us all to live.”
Antonio Taylor, Community Safety Manager at Ashfield District Council, added:
"I would like to thank all the witnesses and officers involved in this case to help secure the extension of the order. The 6 month period will allow further respite to local residents who will hopefully no longer have to suffer ongoing anti-social behaviour in connection with the address.’’
Inspector Jon Hewitt, District Commander for Ashfield, said:
“This approval at court should send a very clear message to residents who blight our communities with repeat criminal and antisocial behaviour. Working closely the Council’s Community Safety Team, we have listened to local residents and taken decisive action to protect them from further harm. We will be continuing to work in the area to support the local community’’
