Court order bans antisocial tenant from home

19 Dec 2022

Action to stop the impact of persistent antisocial behaviour from blighting the lives of residents in part of Newmarket, has seen a tenant banned from their home.

Suffolk Police, Orbit and West Suffolk Council, have been working together to tackle antisocial behaviour at an address at Fred Winter House on Bill Rickaby Drive.

But the behaviour persisted so on Wednesday, West Suffolk Council successfully applied to Ipswich Magistrates Court for a closure order.

The order, granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, bans the tenant and anyone else other than employees and contractors of Orbit, from entering the property for an initial period of three months. Anyone else found to be entering, could be jailed for up to six months or receive an unlimited fine for being in breach of the order.

While the order is initially for three months, the council can apply for an extension for a further three months if it is felt it is required.

Cllr Robert Everitt, Cabinet Member for Families and Communities, at West Suffolk Council, said: “Persistent antisocial behaviour can have a serious and damaging impact on the health and wellbeing of other residents living nearby. It’s not fair that they should have to live in a state of fear with heightened stress and anxiety.

“Of course, seeking a court order to remove a tenant from their home isn’t our first step and nor is it one that we take lightly. But when other attempts to resolve the issue fail, we and our partners are prepared to take court action on behalf of our residents. It should give them some respite, relief and hope as we move into Christmas and the New Year.”

Nicola Kantas, Head of Tenancy Management for Orbit said: “Everyone deserves to feel safe and happy in their home. We work hard to support customers and help to resolve the issues that can lead to anti-social behaviour. However, when issues persist we will work with our partners to take robust action to keep other residents safe and our communities thriving.”  

Police Inspector Connor Lyon, who is responsible for Mildenhall, Newmarket and Brandon, said: “Following reports of persistent antisocial behaviour and drug activity, a full closure order has been granted for this address.

“This order demonstrates our commitment to tackling antisocial behaviour and drug-related criminality, and we hope it reassures the public that we will continue to target addresses, and those responsible in such activity, to protect and safeguard our communities.

“We strongly encourage people to report suspected drug dealing or continuous antisocial behaviour so that we can respond effectively. This can be done via our website: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us/report-something/6-report-anti-social-behaviour.”

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