Skegby property closed following reports of drug activity and violent crime
A flat on Beechwood Court, Sutton has been closed by Ashfield District Council and Nottinghamshire Police following reports of drug activity and serious violence from the address.
A Closure Order was successfully granted at Nottinghamshire Magistrates Court on Friday 19 May 2023 after reports of violent incidents, offensive weapons and illegal drug taking at the property.
The address in Skegby, Sutton-In-Ashfield has been linked to high level crime, anti-social behaviour and serious violence, leaving local residents in fear. A recent incident connected with address resulted in serious injuries.
As a result of the reports to the Council’s Community Safety Team and Nottinghamshire Police, swift action was taken to investigate and obtain all relevant evidence to put an immediate stop to the issues and reassure the local community. The order granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 prohibits access to the property and will remain in force for a minimum of 3 months.
The property has now been securely boarded up to prevent access and 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 several Closure Orders secured by the Council and Police in the past 6 months. Ashfield District Council will continue to prioritise the fight against anti-social behaviour and criminal activity across the District.
Cllr Helen-Ann Smith, Ashfield District Council, Executive Lead for Community Safety & Crime Reduction, said:
“The activity in the property impacted 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 on the back of it. This case demonstrates the benefits of partnership working between the Council and the Police, and how we are working to make Ashfield a safer place for all.
“We are working hard to invest in the local area and tackle neighbourhood nuisance. The Community Safety Partnership has secured over £1.3 million worth of funding to invest in preventing crime and anti-social behaviour across the District through the Safer Streets Fund and Safer4All Fund.”
Antonio Taylor, Community Safety Manager at Ashfield District Council, said:
"I would like to thank all the witnesses and officers involved in this case to help 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 could take prompt action to address the issues and reassure the local community.’’
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.’’
