A nuisance neighbour has been banned from her home following the very first Closure Order to be granted in Merthyr Tydfil.
South Wales Police, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and Hafod Housing joined forces to secure the order and ‘close down’ the property in Treharris.
They stepped into action following reports from nearby residents about the constant, unacceptable behaviour from the tenant of, and visitors to, to 95 Fir Tree Drive.
On Thursday,July 29 Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates Court was presented with a catalogue of complaints in relation to persistent anti-social behaviour associated with the premises dating back to December 2009.
On being presented with the evidence, the court awarded the Closure Order.
Complaints included:
- The premises being used as a drinking den
- Empty drink cans bottles, glasses, smashed glass and cigarette ends being strewn outside
- Spit and vomit fouling the outside of the premises.
- Shouting, swearing, arguing, fighting and drunkenness at all hours of the day and night.
- Intimidating behaviour of visitors banging and kicking doors and windows of the address demanding entry.
- Loud music being played at all times of the day and night.
- Regular and persistent rowdy parties attended by numerous intoxicated young people.
Sergeant Joanne Jones, from the Treharris Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The behaviour of the occupier and her visitors greatly impacted on the lives of people in Fir Tree Drive, who had to put up with noise, rubbish, fighting and extreme persistent anti-social behaviour.
“The Closure Order shows that communities should not and will not be expected to tolerate such behaviour, whether the home is rented or privately owned, and we at South Wales Police will do all we can to improve their quality of life.
“I hope this will make residents feel safer in their own community and give them some peace.”
“I would like to thank those living in Fir Tree Drive for their support and understanding while this action was being taken.”
The order, secured under the 2003 Anti Social Behaviour Act, means the tenants are evicted from the property and the building will remain boarded up. Any attempts to enter the building could lead to arrest and prosecution.
It is the first such order of its kind secured by the Merthyr Tydfil Community Safety Partnership.
The Community Safety Partnership is the organisation that coordinates and drives the efforts of all agencies that have a statutory duty to respond to crime and disorder, including the local authority, South Wales Police, health and the voluntary sector.
Councillor Jeff Edwards, The Leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and Chair of the Community Safety Partnership commented: “With the support of South Wales Police, this is the first application made by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council for a closure order.
“When severe nuisance and anti-social behaviour occur in residential areas, it undermines people’s sense of personal safety right at the point where it matters most – in and around their homes.
“In Fir Tree Drive, this particular premises was a constant focus for severe anti-social behaviour, making the lives of those living nearby a misery.
“No one should have to put up with this. And no one should think that they can get away with it either!”
Alan Morgan, Managing Director of Hafod Housing Association said: “We are very pleased with the outcome of this case which demonstrates the strength of the partnership working between Hafod, the police, and other agencies in tackling anti social behaviour.
“All involved have collectively spent months trying to obtain a resolution that would have avoided the need for the Closure Order – regrettably, this could not be achieved.
“Anti social behaviour is committed by a minority but it can have a huge impact on the lives of the many who want no more than to enjoy peace in their own homes. Our staff are dedicated to working with our tenants and all Community Agencies to ensure that this can be achieved.”
