Skegby flat closed for six months
A flat on Beechwood Court, Skegby, has been closed for six months by Ashfield District Council and Nottinghamshire Police.
The Closure Order, granted on 18 August 2023 at Nottinghamshire Magistrates Court, prevents incidents of violence and drug use from taking place in the address.
The property, which was initially closed on 19 May 2023 for three months, was linked to high level crime, anti-social behaviour and serious violence leaving surrounding residents in fear. An incident connected with the address resulted in substantial injuries.
The extension order granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 will remain in force until 23.59 hours on 18 November 2023. The Closure Order prohibits the previous inhabitant(s) access to the property for the duration of the closure.
Any breaches of the order, such as unauthorised access, may result in prosecution proceedings, a fine or imprisonment. If anyone is witnessed breaching the order, it can be reported to 999 so that appropriate action can be taken.
This is one of a number of successful interventions undertaken by the Council and Police, who are leading the fight against anti-social behaviour and criminal activity across the District.
Cllr Helen-Ann Smith, Ashfield District Council, Executive Lead for Community Safety and Crime Reduction, said:
“The Council is working hard to invest in the District and tackle neighbourhood nuisance. The Community Safety Partnership has secured over £1.3million worth of funding for preventing crime and anti-social behaviour across the District through the Safer Streets Fund and Safer4All Fund”.
Cllr Jodine Cronshaw, Ward Councillor for Skegby said:
“This property was having a detrimental impact on the local community due to the irresponsible behaviour of those living and visiting the address. We listened to the concerns of local residents and took action. This case demonstrates the benefits of partnership working between the Council and the Police; we are working to make Ashfield a safer place for all".
Antonio Taylor, Community Safety Manager at Ashfield District Council, said:
"I would like to thank all the witnesses and officers involved in this case who helped obtain the order. This is a fantastic result for the local community who should not have to put up with this type of behaviour. Residents were clearly impacted, and I am glad we that have been successful in extending the order to provide relief to local residents’’.
Jon Hewitt, Ashfield Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Nottinghamshire Police added:
“The address had been raised to us by the local community due to concerns of violence and drug dealing at the property. We have made arrests linked to this with the ultimate goal of holding those responsible to account and improving the local area. If you are experiencing similar issues, please get in touch with us so we can take positive action’’.
