Macclesfield officers close down anti-social behaviour flat

A property in Macclesfield which brought misery to the local community has been closed down by police.

Officers received numerous reports regarding anti-social behaviour involving drug activity and repeated disturbances at the address at Oakleaf Lodge, Western Avenue, Macclesfield.

The occupant and his visitors were causing fear and distress to other residents with their drug and drink-fuelled anti-social behaviour.

After gathering enough evidence, and working in partnership with Regenda Homes, officers from the Macclesfield Local Policing Unit attended Chester Magistrates’ Court on Friday 23 May where they were granted a two month closure order.

The occupant of the address has been ordered to leave the property and find alternative accommodation.

All windows and doors have been boarded up and will remain boarded up for a period of two months. Anyone who enters the address during that time is committing an offence and can be arrested.

Sgt Matt Bassirat said:

“We are determined to make the community a safe environment for everyone, and closure orders allow us to do this.

“The occupant’s behaviour and use of drink and drugs led to deplorable behaviour which made other residents fearful, and their lives a misery. He was given ample opportunity to seek assistance from external agencies however these offers of support were not taken up. His behaviour deteriorated resulting in multiple calls to police by those fearful or concerned by his actions.

“His alarming behaviour escalated culminating in a report to police of threats with a knife. Closing down this property was crucial in our fight against violent crime involving knives and it is timely that we did this during the national Knife Crime Week.

“The behaviour around the Western Avenue property is totally unacceptable and I know that residents really will be relieved to hear the news today.

“I hope residents are reassured that if they are affected by anti-social behaviour, we will use every power available to us to restore some normality to the area.

“As always, we can’t do this without the support of the communities we serve, and I would urge anyone who has concerns about anti-social behaviour related issues to please report it to us and we will do the rest.”

Anyone with concerns about ASB in their area is asked to report it to Cheshire Police via the website or call 101.