Guisborough property closed after court told of months of anti-social behaviour

A flat must be closed for three months after neighbours were subjected to months of abuse, a court has ordered.

Teesside Magistrates agreed that the rented flat at Helmsley House in Guisborough be closed after hearing reports of more than 30 incidents of anti-social behaviour including theft, shouting abuse, begging, assaults and violence towards residents.

The court was also informed that some residents were vulnerable and had felt intimidated. The tenant in the property had received multiple warnings by Cleveland Police, landlords and the Local Authority which had been ignored.

Incidents of anti-social behaviour involving the tenant recorded from June last year to May this year included fighting with a disabled person in the street and stealing kitchen knives from a property and trying to sell stolen goods  around the flats.

The application to the court was made by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council with the support of Cleveland Police and Beyond Housing after months of evidence gathering by anti-social behaviour officers and police.

Cllr Adam Brook, Cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and Housing, said: "This behaviour can cause real misery and it will not be tolerated. I’d like to thank everyone involved in doing what it took to ensure the residents of this area are protected."

Inspector Neil Deluce said: "This is a fantastic example of great partnership work between the force, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and Beyond Housing and this work will continue to ensure we’re improving the quality of life for our residents.

"We hope this closure order serves as a warning to those who cause misery in our neighbourhoods that we will take action and you could lose your home as a result."