Closure order imposed on Longton property

A full closure order has been imposed on a house in Longton in response to persistent anti-social behaviour and drug use.

Officers from the Stoke South Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), in conjunction with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, applied for a closure order under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The application was in response to persistent reports by residents of drug use and anti-social behaviour linked to the address.

Granted by a magistrate at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Friday 9 July, the order makes it a crime for the residents to be at the property for three months.

PC Naomi Owen, of the Stoke South NPT, said: “Over recent months there have been numerous reports of drug related and anti-social behaviour connected to this address and the behaviour of those who have been living at the property has had a detrimental impact on the quality of life of local residents.

“We will conduct regular checks at the house over the next three months to ensure that there are no breaches of the order and we’ll also continue working closely with local residents.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council leader Abi Brown said: “Residents who cause a nuisance to their communities will not be tolerated. We work closely with the police and other partners to ensure our city is a safe and welcoming place in which to live. We’re pleased to have supported the police’s application for the closure, it gives a clear signal that action is being taken.

Sandford Hill ward councillor Ally Simcock said: “Unfortunately tenants at this address had been blighting the community with their anti-social behaviour. I’d like to thank residents for raising concerns, and this closure order demonstrates that we have moved swiftly to immediately address those concerns. The closure will be monitored closely so that residents will be free from this nuisance in the future.”