Horden Residential Property Closed for Three Months Following Anti-Social Behaviour

A residential property has been closed for a period of three months, and its occupants, a couple, have been relocated. This action followed complaints from neighbours who reported being “living in fear” due to the couple’s screaming, fighting, and late-night gatherings. Durham County Council’s application for the closure order also cited suspected drug use and unpleasant odours emanating from accumulated rubbish and dog faeces at the residence, located on Eleventh Street in Horden, near Peterlee. The local authority stated that this instance marked the first occasion it had successfully obtained a closure order for a residential dwelling. Proceedings at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court revealed that, in addition to loud music and a dog barking continuously, Durham Police had received reports detailing damage to vehicles and instances of individuals associated with the couple forcibly entering properties by kicking down doors and breaking windows. The issued closure order prohibits entry to the premises, with potential penalties of a fine and imprisonment for any individual who violates this restriction. The order characterized some neighbours as “living in fear” and “too frightened to confront the couple in case of reprisals,” while others had relocated to avoid the “frequent disturbances.” Reports indicated the presence of flies and rats, attributed to accumulations of rubbish and faeces both in the back yard and within the property itself. The council reported that the couple had declined all assistance offered by social workers and other agencies, and had failed to communicate with their landlord, who had initiated eviction proceedings. Furthermore, the couple did not comply with requests from anti-social behaviour intervention officers, leading to the issuance of several community protection warnings and enforcement notices. Both the police and social workers endorsed the authority’s decision to issue a closure notice and seek a three-month closure order. The council stated that it is currently exploring alternative housing arrangements for the couple. Joanne Waller, who serves as the head of community protection at the council, commented: “Not only were the tenants making life a misery for their neighbours, but the living conditions inside the house were so bad it was in their own interests to leave.” She added: “Nobody should have to live in fear, and we hope this closure order reassures residents that we take anti-social behaviour very seriously and will use all the available tools and powers to make our communities safer.”