Mansfield District Council has successfully executed Closure Orders on three of its properties following significant concerns relating to criminal activity and persistent anti-social behaviour.
Two homes at Babworth Court and one at Shireoaks Court have been closed. The orders were granted by Mansfield Magistrates’ Court after evidence demonstrated that serious nuisance, disorder, and criminality associated with the properties were having a detrimental impact on neighbours and wider community.
The action by the council’s Anti-social Behaviour and Enforcement Team is part of the authority’s ongoing commitment to creating safer neighbourhoods and protecting residents from behaviour that negatively affects their quality of life.
The team worked closely with the police to gather evidence and build a comprehensive case. The Closure Orders prohibit access to the property and enables the council to take robust action against those responsible for the issues.
Cllr Angie Jackson, Joint Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing Health and Safer Communities, said: “This outcome sends a clear message that criminal activity and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated within our communities, and these successful closures reflect the importance of responding effectively to concerns raised by residents.
“We understand the distress and disruption this type of behaviour can cause to residents, and the council remains committed to using all available powers to protect communities and ensure residents feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods.
“Residents can play a vital role in helping us to identify and tackle anti-social behaviour and we encourage people to report it. Together, we can continue to make our neighbourhoods safer, stronger and better places to live.
“We will continue to work with our partners to investigate issues, pursue enforcement action, and support those affected. We would like to thank residents and partner organisations for their help and co-operation in this investigation.”
People can report anti-social behaviour on the council’s website (link opens in new window). All reports are treated confidentially.
Cllr Anne Callaghan, Portfolio Holder for Housing, added: “Our priority is to work with residents to sustain tenancies wherever possible and Closure Orders and possession proceedings are measures of last resort, used only after extensive efforts to resolve serious issues through engagement, support, warnings and other interventions.
“Closing a property first can often be a quicker route to achieving a safer and more stable neighbourhood and being able to relet a property, than just going down the eviction and repossession route.
“At a time when demand for social housing is exceptionally high, it is important that the limited supply of social housing is available for those in housing need who are ready and able to meet the responsibilities of their tenancy.”
Now that the properties are closed, the council is progressing legal action to repossess the properties so that they can be relet as soon as possible to people on the council’s housing list.