Drugs house closed and occupants evicted

HOUSING chiefs and police have worked together to obtain a closure order at a property in St Elphin’s Close, Howley, Warrington following reports of anti-social behaviour and drug-related activities.
Jason Broadhurst, and Emma Payton of were ordered to leave the property immediately following a judge’s decision at Chester Magistrates Court.
A Golden Gates Housing spokesperson commented: “GGHT’s enforcement team and Cheshire Police worked in partnership to gather a significant amount of evidence in order to take this action.
“We recognise the negative impact that the actions of Broadhurst and Payton have had on the whole community and as a landlord we have a duty of care to protect our tenants and residents who have been affected by this behaviour.
“We hope this action will send a clear message that we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour.”
“We are currently liaising with our legal team to gain possession of the property on the back of the closure order, which will be in place for a three month period with an option to extend should it be required.”
The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Police Act 2014 came into force in October 2014 and means that officers are now able to apply for closure orders at premises where somebody is, or has been, causing distress or nuisance.
The order prevents anyone from accessing the property for three months.
The property will now be boarded up for three months, with anyone who enters liable to arrest and up to six months’ prison, or a £5,000 fine, or both.
Residents are encouraged to report any incidents of Anti Social Behaviour to GGHT or alternatively, residents can report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.