House closed after drug related activity and anti social behaviour

The case was heard at the Chesterfield Justice Centre on Thursday, February 23, and a closure order was granted for the property on Cedar Close in Eckington.

This follows a series of reports and complaints about drug related activity, public order and nuisance behaviour to police, Rykneld Homes, and the council over a period of several months.

The Eckington Safer Neighbourhood Team worked alongside the North East Derbyshire District Council, Rykneld Homes, Environmental Health, and the RSPCA to tackle the issue and help to improve the situation for residents living nearby.

Magistrates granted the order under the anti-social behaviour, crime and policing act as they believed that the use of the premises has resulted in serious nuisance to members of the public and that a closure order was necessary to prevent the nuisance or disorder from continuing.

Sergeant James Shirley, who leads the Eckington Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is the second closure order in Eckington in the last six months which highlights that we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour in our community.

“Anti-social behaviour can have a negative impact on the lives of other residents so this is a great example of how we can work alongside our partners and the local community to take action.

“We will continue to actively target anti-social behaviour, crime and drug related activity and I would urge anyone with concerns to report them to the police so that we can investigate and take appropriate action where necessary.”

A Council spokesperson said: “This was a huge problem which was causing distress to local residents – distress that no-one should have to put up with.

“We knew we had to act to stamp out the problem so we had no hesitation in using the Closure Powers.

“It’s never nice for anyone to have to put up with anti-social behaviour day and night and the neighbours of this property have had to put up with more than their fair share.

“But, they can now sleep easy at night and enjoy their homes, knowing that the problem has been addressed. This should also serve as a warning to others that we will not tolerate this type of behaviour and we will use whatever powers and action are appropriate and available to us.”

Jayne Walker, Community Sustainment Manager for Rykneld Homes, said: “We take an active role in our communities and will use all enforcement options available to us to prevent unacceptable behaviours from continuing.

“The result in this particular case is a credit to all organisations involved.”

To report concerns about the misuse of drugs, suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour contact Derbyshire police on 101, the non-emergency number, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.