Police have boarded up a drug-blighted flat and ejected the tenant in Widnes after it became a “toxic nightmare” for residents .
Cheshire Constabulary said officers from Widnes Local Policing Unit’s Appleton beat team and the Halton Problem Solving Team were granted a closure order for the property on Dean Close at North Cheshire Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, June 1.
A force spokeswoman said officers had collected a “catalogue of evidence of repeated antisocial behaviour and drug-related activity” inside the flat.
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As part of the action, Keiran Thomas-Bailey, 19, was evicted from the property and the flat was boarded up.
Thomas-Bailey was made subject to a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning him from inciting others to act in an anti-social manner that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more person not of the same household in Cheshire.
Under the CBO’s terms, he is also not to be in company with named individuals on the order within Cheshire and he is also not to be in company with a group of three or more including himself, other than immediate family members on Dean Close, Dean Street, Hibbert Street, Elliot Street, Gladstone Street and Dickson Close Widnes.
Breaching the CBO will incur the risk of prison.
PC Chris Martin, of the Widnes beat team, said: “This is a quiet close in the town centre which was plagued by Thomas-Bailey and his friends.
“Residents had to endure anti-social behaviour and drug related behaviour.
“The fear and intimidation made for a toxic environment for residents who were really suffering because of this.
“The local beat team and the problem solving team worked with residents, the housing association and local authority to compile enough evidence to make sure Thomas-Bailey was brought before the courts and relieve residents of their toxic nightmare.
“I hope this reassures residents who may be going through the same issues that our local beat teams are here to help you make your neighbourhood a happier and safer place. Please don’t suffer in silence, contact your local beat team.”
Regular checks will take place in the next three months to make sure the order isn’t breached, at risk of arrest and up to six months′ prison, or a £5,000 fine, or both.
Inspector Shaun Pyke said: “People should be able to live in their homes without having to endure this sort of behaviour and this closure order and Criminal Behaviour Order is another example of our commitment in targeting those who undermine our communities and bring misery to residents.
“This is an excellent result giving all residents respite from this toxic behaviour. I want to thank the local residents, local authority and housing associations for their support, and the officers for their great work and dedication in making our communities better places for residents.”
Anyone who is concerned about anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhood is urged to call Cheshire police on 101 or provide the details via www.cheshire.police.uk/tua .
Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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