Tenant removed from flat after intimidating neighbours

A three-month closure order has been served on a property in Tewkesbury after a stream of incidents involving anti-social behaviour and intimidation between the tenant and her neighbours.

The full order was issued to a flat in Winter Gate Road, Longford, by Cheltenham Magistrates Court on Wednesday (25 August).

It followed a Partial Closure Order which was originally obtained by the Tewkesbury Neighbourhood Team on 29 July, which allowed only the tenant access to their flat. It was hoped this would curb the tenant's behaviour whilst allowing her to remain in her property.

However, the tenant ignored this order and continued her anti-social behaviour towards the other neighbours. In order to safeguard the local residents, some of whom were young children, Solace worked with the housing provider to obtain a Full Closure Order.

As soon as the order was granted, the locks were changed on the flat and only the emergency services and the housing provider are now allowed access.

Arrangements will be made to remove any of the tenants remaining belongings. The tenant has been referred to the local council for emergency housing.

The order lasts for three months but can be extended up to six months if needed. During this time, the housing provider will seek formal possession of the tenancy which will remove any final rights the tenant has to return. 

PC Frances Oliffe, from Cheltenham Solace, said: "Persistent antisocial behaviour within the housing environment can have a debilitating effect on people's lives. It often leaves people feeling like they can't live safely in their own home and we often find victims are reluctant to report incidents to the police as the perpetrator lives close by.

"The local residents have put up with so much and it's nice to have finally been able to resolve this problem."