Closure order secured for address in Malvern

Closure order secured for address in Malvern

Officers from Malvern Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) have successfully secured a closure order on a nuisance social housing property in Sherrard’s Green this week.

Police applied to Worcester Magistrates Court for the order on 70 Sherrard's Green Road under Section 80 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 after neighbours were subjected to two years of disturbances related to the property.

The property has been linked to suspected drug dealing as well as multiple cases of antisocial behaviour and nuisances.

Action was taken by Malvern SNT in recent months to address the concerns, including two drugs’ warrants, but concerns at the property remained so officers worked with partners at Platform Housing to take further action.

The closure order – granted on Monday (12 January) - means the residents cannot now return for three months.

Police Sergeant Jason Maiden of Malvern SNT said: “We are obviously aware of concerns around this property and the impact it has had upon residents who have told us they have felt intimidated by and fearful of the nuisance coming from there.

“We have taken action at this address over many months. Despite this, the problems there have remained to the extent we opted to continue our work with Platform Housing to take matters further.

“We have gathered evidence which has now helped us to meet the threshold for a closure order.

“We are pleased to have been granted the order which should bring some much-needed respite for those living nearby whose lives have been blighted by the behaviour of those who were living at the property.”

Marion Duffy, Chief Operations Officer at Platform Housing Group, said: “We take any reports of antisocial behaviour seriously and always work closely with the police and other partners to protect the wellbeing of our communities.

“This closure order follows persistent issues that have caused distress to residents, and we’re pleased that strong action has been taken to restore peace and safety in the area.

“We’d like to thank everyone who came forward to share their concerns and to our colleagues and partners at Malvern Safer Neighbourhood Team for their ongoing collaboration.”