Full closure order served on Peterborough house

A full closure order has been served on a Peterborough house following anti-social behaviour and drug use.

The order was issued to 10 Whalley Street, Eastfield, by the local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) on Tuesday (14 February) after a successful application to Peterborough Magistrates’ Court.

A partial closure order was issued to the house back in November last year but expired on 3 February.

The full closure comes as the next step in safeguarding the tenant and means the property will be closed to all people, including the tenant, for the next three months.

The action came because of frequent reports of damage to the property and anti-social behaviour, including drug-related activity over the past 12 months.

PC Guy Cunningham, from the eastern NPT in Peterborough, said: “This action was taken in recognition of the impact to the community and to protect those who are potentially vulnerable to criminality.

“A partial closure was put in place initially, which allowed the tenant to stay there, however there have been several breaches and six people arrested who were found by our officers inside the property during the period of the closure.

“I hope this order will make a really positive difference to the quality of life of residents and should serve as a reminder to those who continue to make life a misery for their neighbours, that we will not tolerate it.”

The order states the premises is subject to a closure notice to prevent disorderly, offensive, or criminal behaviour from continuing.

Until 13 May, the order prohibits any person from entering the premises other than landlord (with approval from the police) and the emergency services. The tenant attended with police to collect their belongings and is being supported in finding alternative accommodation away from the area.

Failure to comply with the order is a criminal offence which could result in imprisonment for up to twelve months, a fine, or both.

Anyone with information about the closure order being breached should report to police online or use the web chat service. Those without internet access should call 101.

Report concerns about anti-social behaviour in your community, on Cambridgeshire Constabulary's website.