Council secures first closure order to combat anti-social behaviour

Cheshire East Council’s anti-social behaviour team has obtained its first closure order in the borough, after a court approved a three‑month restriction on a domestic property.

The three month order – which is the maximum term that can be granted – was secured against a property on Buxton Old Road in Disley at Crewe Magistrates’ Court yesterday. The property is tenanted and owned by a local landlord, who also resides in Disley.

The closure follows months of serious and persistent anti‑social behaviour caused by the tenants at the address which have included; violence and harassment, domestic disputes, drug use and linked noxious fumes related to drug use, use of dangerous dogs and parking complaints.

Both the tenants and landlord of the property have been issued warning letters, community protection warnings and notices, and also been issued fixed penalty notices.

Despite extensive attempts by the council’s anti social behaviour team to work with both the tenants and landlord, who is the owner of the property, to resolve concerns raised by the public, the behaviours have continued to the extent that it has also created one of the highest demands locally for police reported incidents.

These activities have had a detrimental effect on local residents, particularly those living in close vicinity to the property, who have struggled with the constant strong smell of cannabis. One neighbour reported the odour entering their property daily and impacting the health of their family.

The anti-social behaviour team were exposed to the severity of the smell during visits. Despite multiple opportunities to address the behaviour, neither the tenants nor landlord engaged with the council.

With the assistance of Cheshire Constabulary, the notice and closure has been served and, the property has now been secured and will remain closed to both the tenants and landlord for at least three months. It is an offence to enter or remain on premises in contravention of a closure notice or closure order and punishable by a fine or imprisonment or both.

Councillor David Jefferay, chair of Cheshire East Council’s environment and communities committee, said:

“This is the first time the council has used these powers and we have done so to protect residents who have been repeatedly and seriously affected by behaviour linked to this address.

“This closure order offers local people the chance to enjoy some much-needed respite and return to a safer, more peaceful environment.

“The court’s decision sends a clear message that we will take firm action to protect our communities where anti‑social behaviour has a serious impact on people’s lives."

Inspector Richard Haque of Cheshire Constabulary, said:

“The behaviour linked to this property has caused significant distress to the local community over a prolonged period. Despite repeated attempts by both the council and police to engage with those responsible, the issues continued and became a frequent source of harm and disruption for residents.

“Securing this closure order demonstrates our commitment to working alongside Cheshire East Council to take firm and decisive action where anti‑social behaviour has a serious impact on people’s lives. We hope this brings much‑needed relief to those affected and reassures the wider community that reports of persistent anti‑social behaviour will be taken seriously and acted upon.”