Three homes shut in crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Knowsley

The three homes of an extended family whose behaviour has blighted the lives of their local community have been shut by a court today.

The Safer Knowsley Partnership and its members sought the house closure order using new powers that they have been given under Section 11A of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, allowing them to close houses that are associated with persistent anti-social behaviour and serious nuisance to the local community.

This is only the fourth time the powers have been used nationally and the first time it has been used on three properties in the same road where members of an extended family reside.

The Safer Knowsley Partnership – which includes Knowsley Council and Knowsley Housing Trust - has already gained Closure Notices on the three properties tenanted by Yvonne and Gemma Caldwell and Joan Evans; 18, 28 and 36 Reeds Road, Huyton, for persistent anti-social behaviour.

The Closure Notices prevent anyone other than the resident and landlord from entering the premises they reside at. Within hours of the notice being imposed one resident was arrested for breaching the conditions in front of two police constables.

Knowsley Housing Trust’s Chief Executive Bob Taylor said: “Today’s outcome sends a clear message to our communities. By working together we can take a stand against anti social behaviour and help make our neighbourhoods safer places to live in.”

Police Sergeant Dave Brennan said “Working with our partners, Merseyside Police is committed to ensuring that the actions of the minority do not unfairly impact upon our communities. In this case the behaviour of one family had a disproportionate and negative effect upon those living in Reeds Road. The Partnership was left with no option but to pursue these orders in order to protect those law abiding members of the public living in and visiting this area.”

St Helens Magistrates Court was today presented with evidence of a number of incidents and serious complaints associated with the three properties in support of the Closure Order Application, including:

• Large scale anti-social behaviour
• Gun crime
• Drug dealing
• Noise nuisance
• Handling stolen property
• Arson
• Parties being held throughout the day and night
• Gangs congregating in and outside
• Young people taking drugs and alcohol
• Intimidation of other residents
• Scrambler bikes

After the Closure Orders were granted, Knowsley Council, Merseyside Police and Knowsley Housing Trust (landlord of two premises) entered the premises to secure them against entry. Any person entering or remaining in the premises or obstructing a relevant person will be committing a summary offence.

Cllr Jackie Harris, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Social Inclusion, said: “These premises have been a hive of anti-social and criminal activity over the past few years. I hope this case sends out a strong warning that it will not be tolerated in our communities. We will utilise every power available to the Safer Knowsley Partnership to make our neighbourhoods safer for decent, law abiding members of the community.”

The order will be for a period not exceeding three months in the first instance but it may also be extended on numerous occasions by application to the court for up to a total of six months.

Laura Helme, Anti-Social Behaviour Officer for the case said “Pursuing Closure Orders is always an action of last resort, however by doing so it demonstrates that the Safer Knowsley Partnership is committed to taking whatever steps are necessary to identify and address anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.

“If you are a victim of anti-social behaviour contact the helpline on 0151 443 2000, it is only by working with us that we can address the causes of anti-social behaviour together.”

The local authority and the police can utilise these new powers not only on residential properties but on areas of land, buildings and outbuildings should they reasonably believe that a person has engaged in anti-social behaviour on the premises and that the premises are associated with significant and persistent disorder or nuisance to the public.

Anyone who wants to report incidents of anti-social behaviour then contact the Safer Knowsley Partnership’s Anti-Social Behaviour Unit - 0151 443 2000

If you would like to report someone breaching the Closure Notice then please telephone Merseyside Police - 0151 709 6010.