Closure order secured for problem property
A partial closure order has been secured against a residential property in Hall Farm following complaints from members of the public about anti-social behaviour.
The order - secured by the East Community Safety Hub - restricts access to the property on Badger Close, Hall Farm, to prevent further disorder and protect the local community.
The hub brings together council teams, Northumbria Police, Gentoo, community groups and other partners together under one roof to tackle concerns around anti-social behaviour.
Granted on Wednesday 4 March by South Tyneside Magistrates' Court, the partial Closure Order means that only the tenant and certain named members of their family may enter the property.
The application for the order was made following complaints from members of the public about excessive noise, fighting and arguments occurring both within the property and in the street.
A witness statement to the court outlined how the behaviour was impacting on neighbours' lives, with one saying they were living in fear.
Members of the public had made reports to Northumbria Police and Gentoo, so they worked in partnership with Sunderland City Council through the East Community Safety Hub to investigate further.
Councillor Kelly Chequer, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and cabinet member for Health, Wellbeing and Safer Communities, said: "No one deserves to be subjected to anti-social behaviour and disorder around their home. And I am pleased that we were able to work alongside our partners in the East Community Safety Hub to protect residents of Badger Close from further nuisance."
"Now that the partial closure order has been secured, I would like to thank members of the public for coming forward, showing their community spirit and demonstrating how if we all work and act together, we can make our streets and neighbourhoods happier and more peaceful places."
The council and residents worked closely with Northumbria Police. Inspector Natalie Orton of Northumbria Police said: "We see the negative impact anti-social behaviour can have in your local area and we're dedicated to tackling the issue head on.
"Hopefully securing this partial closure order proves that we take all reports seriously and will work with partner agencies to do all we can to take action on problem properties.
"Thank you to those members of the community who've worked with us, it's thanks to you we've been able to prevent any further issues linked to criminality at this address.
"Please continue to report anti-social behaviour and suspected criminality within your communities - we are ready to take action."
Michael Orchard, Community Safety Officer at Gentoo, said: "Gentoo worked closely with Northumbria Police and Sunderland City Council following a number of reports from the local community about anti-social behaviour linked to this property, which was having a serious impact on neighbouring residents.
"Where tenancy conditions are not being followed and behaviour is affecting others, we will take appropriate action alongside our partners. Securing this Partial Closure Order demonstrates our commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour, and we hope it provides residents with reassurance and some much‑needed respite."
Residents with concerns about anti-social behaviour should contact 0191 520 5550 or www.sunderland.gov.uk/report-it
