Closure order issued after 18 months of antisocial behaviour at Yateley property

Author: Local Democracy Reporter- Toby PainePublished 12th Oct 2021

Hart District Council and the Hampshire Constabulary have taken the occupants of a shared property to court following 18 months of persistent anti-social behaviour.

A closure order was issued by Basingstoke Magistrates Court to take effect from the 1st of this month, the property is on Betjeman Walk in Yateley.

The order means that no-one can enter or remain at the address for the next three months without permission from council officers, doing so would be committing a criminal offence and they could be arrested.

The order was issued following many concerns raised by suspected drug activity such as noisy parties, constant visitors at all hours, cannabis odours that permeated surrounding properties and a sense of fear and intimidation felt by neighbours.

Cllr Stuart Bailey, cabinet member for communities at Hart District Council, said: ‘I’m pleased that we have been able to obtain this closure order.

‘This is a great result that will make a significant impact upon surrounding neighbours.

‘I hope this order sends out a message that the council will not tolerate anti-social behaviour in the district.

‘This order would not have been possible without the courage of residents to provide evidence, Hampshire Constabulary and our community safety team, my thanks to all of those involved.’

Hart Neighbourhood Inspector Jennifer Lovegrove added: ‘We are pleased that this order has been secured and hope it provides some reassurance to the local community that we, along with our partners, will take action and use all available powers to address issues affecting them.

‘We would like to thank Hart District Council for their dedication and huge effort to secure the order at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court.

‘This is a great example of how we work with our partner agencies to secure a positive outcome for those living in the local community.

‘I hope this order sends out the message that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour, and we will use every available power to stop it.

‘If you are concerned about anti-social behaviour where you live, then please call your local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.’