Marske home closed due to anti-social behaviour

Magistrates have agreed to close a rented house after hearing of neighbours being subjected to months of anti-social behaviour.

Teesside Magistrates Court agreed on Wednesday 31 May to close an address on Yeoman Terrace in Marske after hearing of complaints going back nearly 18 months.

The court ordered that the property in Marske be closed for three months. 

Magistrates were provided with statements from neighbours who told of their fear of incidents involving the male occupant with some saying they had become frightened to leave their own home and the situation had affected both their mental and physical health.

The application for the Closure Order was brought by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council (R&CBC) with the support of Cleveland Police after months of evidence gathering. 

The court was told that council anti-social behaviour officers were first alerted to complaints at the Marske address in January 2022. Incidents at the Marske property reported to the court included threatening and intimidating behaviour, alleged drug dealing and the consumption of drugs in the property.

The most recent incident involved a gang of males brandishing a knife and attempting to kick the door down. Several warnings were made to the occupant by RCBC and Cleveland Police however they have had no impact. 

Residents who describe how they lived in constant fear of something happening to them, their family and friends of their neighbours.  Quotes from neighbours included: “It is a very stressful way of living,”  “It was a lovely Street and it is unfair that we should have to life like this”  and, “I may sound dramatic, but I am literally scared wondering what is going to happen next”. 

Following the Court Order, Councillor Adam Brook, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Housing, said: “Law-abiding, decent people deserve to live in peace without fear in their own home and street. Our dedicated officers working closely with colleagues in Cleveland Police will continue to do what it takes to protect them. A decision to apply for a Closure Order is never taken lightly but, at the same time, we won’t hesitate to do so to protect the public.

“I’d like to thank residents for their cooperation. This successful outcome at court would not have been possible without them.” 

Cleveland Police Acting Sergeant, Andy Bennett, said: “I hope this closure order reassures residents that we will listen to their concerns and take action against those causing misery in their community.

“This is a fantastic example of great partnership work between the force and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and I’d like to thank all our colleagues who played a part in this closure order.

“Anyone wishing to report crime or antisocial behaviour is asked to call us on 101, or contact Crimestoppers either online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.”