Partners have once again joined forces with the community to secure an order to evict nightmare neighbours from their private home and “close down” their property.
They stepped into action following reports from nearby residents about the constant, unacceptable behaviour from the tenants of 11 Glancynon Terrace, Aberaman.
Residents called for action against what they called a “living hell”, with the noise nuisance, anti-social behaviour and intimidation having an impact on their health and wellbeing.
They pleaded with partners to help, saying the offending and intimidation was making them ill and keeping them up all night and making it hard for them to complete their day jobs effectively.
After considering the shocking diary of evidence that reported almost daily occurrences of doors banging, shouting and arguing, rubbish being thrown into neighbouring gardens and loud music, partner agencies, partners attended Aberdare Magistrates’ Court yesterday to secure a Premise Closure Order on the address.
The order, secured under the 2003 Anti Social Behaviour Act, means the tenants are evicted from the property for three months and the building will remain boarded up. Any attempts to enter the building could lead to arrest and prosecution.
It is the second such order of its kind secured by the Rhondda Cynon Taf Community Safety Partnership, which became the first authority in Wales to secure a Premise Closure Order less than a year ago.
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 Council, South Wales Police, Health and the voluntary sector.
Its successful case this week was against sisters Natalie, 23 and Melissa, 18, Robinson, who live in the property with Natalie’s partner, Nathan Harvey, 21. The property is owned by the sisters’ parents and, as such there is no formal tenancy agreement.
Complaints about anti-social behaviour associated with the property have been made by residents since 2007, with concern escalating last year.
General complaints relate to:
- Rubbish being deposited in neighbouring gardens
- Nuisance caused by the shouting and arguments among the tenants and their visitors at all hours of day and night.
- Intimidating behaviour of visitors who bang on the doors and windows of neighbouring properties.
- Intimidation of residents in a bid to make them afraid to make complaints or give evidence
Evidence presented in court this week also included a diary of specific incidents, with cases happening on an almost-daily basis since March 2009.
South Wales Police Officers, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s specialist enforcement officers and residents alike attended the hearing to present evidence of their nightmares at the hands of the tenants.
After considering the evidence, Magistrates did not hesitate to issue the order, immediately closing down the premises. The tenants were given time to pack and leave before the property was boarded up to prevent re-entry, within hours of the order being secured.
Phil Bevan, Head of the Community Safety Partnership, said: “I am so pleased partners have been able to secure this order on behalf of residents, who have suffered unacceptable levels of behaviour from the tenants of this address.
“This is the second such order of its kind we have secured in less than a year and we are certainly leading the way across Wales with our partnership commitment to using the legal powers we have available to us to deal with anti-social behaviour.
“We will not tolerate such offending, especially when it has a disproportionate impact on the quality of lives of decent, law-abiding residents.
“The behaviour of this trio was disgusting and unacceptable and I want to commend those residents who came forward and helped us present such a compelling case against them.
“As we boarded up the property yesterday, they told us they were looking forward to their first night of peace and quiet, and a good night’s sleep, for the first time in almost a year.”
Sergeant Damien McKeon, from the Cynon Neighbourhood Team, said: “The behaviour of the occupiers and their visitors greatly impacted on the lives of people in Glancynon Terrace, Aberaman, who put up with noise, fights spilling onto the street, and persistent anti-social behaviour.
“The closure order shows that communities should not and will not be expected to tolerate anti-social behaviour.
“I hope this will make residents feel safer in their own community, improve their quality of life and give them some peace.”
“The action demonstrates to the Cynon residents that Rhondda Cynon Taf Community Safety Partnership, do take action against anti-social behaviour and criminal activity in the community.
“I would like to thank those living in the area for their support and understanding while this action was being taken.”
