Two properties in Newtown Green, Ashford, notorious for persistent anti-social behaviour, have been closed down following successful applications for closure orders by Ashford Borough Council at Folkestone Magistrates Court. The orders, granted on May 29th, will keep the properties sealed for three months, with the former female tenants removed.
The court heard compelling evidence detailing numerous complaints from neighbouring residents regarding disruptive activities emanating from both addresses, which are situated in close proximity. Kent Police had been repeatedly called to the locations.
Allegations presented to the court outlined disorderly, offensive, and criminal conduct by the defendants, who were accused of consistently permitting their homes to be used for criminal and disruptive anti-social behaviour.
The problematic behaviour reportedly involved regular visitors and included drug use, excessive noise and music after 10 pm, loud banging, threatening behaviour towards contractors, visitors, and residents, verbal abuse, harassment, drunken conduct, littering, criminal damage, and intimidation. Disturbingly, incidents involving a bladed article described as a ‘Rambo knife’ and boiling oil were also reported.
Ashford Borough Council successfully secured the closure orders under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, with the support of Kent Police. The court orders explicitly prohibit entry to the properties for any unauthorised individuals. Any person found inside who is not a Council staff member or Police Officer will be committing a criminal offence and could face a prison sentence of up to 51 weeks or a fine upon conviction.
A spokesman for Ashford Council’s Housing team said:
“This underlines that we have a zero-tolerance approach towards ASB. These properties have been at the root of persistent problems and nuisance to neighbours, with people visiting at all hours, drug dealing, and causing noise and intimidation.
“These issues make people’s lives a misery and we hope the outcome of these cases will reassure our communities that we do not tolerate it and we will respond with appropriate action.
“If you are affected by the illegal activities of another resident resulting in anti-social behaviour, then don’t suffer in silence. You can use our Report It service on our website or report your concerns to the Police. With your help we can take action against the offenders.”
Council Chief Executive Tracey Kerly said:
“I congratulate our Housing and Legal teams and everyone else involved in securing these two closure orders. This is a clear demonstration of how this behaviour will not be tolerated and that there are tools we can use to create some peace for our law-abiding communities.”
Kent Police say people can contact them by calling 101, or 999 if a crime is taking place, or online at www.kent.police.uk/services/report-a-crime or you can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.