Three-month closure order on Wellingborough house after reports of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour

Northamptonshire Police secured a court order to close the address after reports of anti-social behaviour stemming from the Priory Road property.

For more than a year the Wellingborough Neighbourhood Policing Team has been responding to calls about the house which has now been closed, meaning any unauthorised person who access the house before that date are liable to arrest.

Police say the tenant continued to shout and verbally abuse other residents, despite the tenant receiving warnings from both the police and the housing association, Greatwell Homes.

PC Lydia Chamberlain of Northamptonshire Police’s Anti-Social Behaviour and Civil Enforcement Team said: “The persistent behaviour of the tenant and those attending their address caused significant distress to other residents, who were fearful about who was hanging around their homes.

“I would like to thank everyone who was involved in this case, especially the Wellingborough Neighbourhood Policing Team whose local knowledge and community engagement led to the successful application of the court order.

“The information provided, together with the evidence gathered, enabled us to build a clear picture of the impact these issues were having on residents. This gave me the basis to present a compelling case to the court which allowed the closure order to be granted.

“I would also like to show my appreciation and gratitude to Greatwell Housing for its support in this case. I would also encourage anyone experiencing anti-social behaviour in their area to report it to us.”

Police also say there were reports of drug dealing at the address with people coming and going at all hours, encouraging loitering in the communal garden and nearby alleyway.

In response, an application was made by the police under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. At Northampton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, October 14, a three-month full closure order was granted and will remain in place until Friday, January 14.

As well as facing arrest, unauthorised people who access the house could face a fine or up to 51 weeks in prison.

Police advise those who are affected by anti-social behaviour to report non-emergency incidents by calling 101 or online at www.northants.police.uk/RO, and to call 999 in an emergency.