A property linked to reports of drug use, prostitution and ongoing disorder, alongside Nottingham’s former Debenhams building, are both subject to closure action this week as agencies continue efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour and protect local communities.
Nottingham City Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team, working in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police and Nottingham City Council Housing Services is taking action through Closure Orders linked to two separate locations in Nottingham.
Closure hearings have taken place this week relating to 31 Manston Mews in Radford and the former Debenhams building in Nottingham city centre.
The hearing relating to 31 Manston Mews follows repeated reports from residents and the local community regarding serious anti-social behaviour, nuisance and disorder associated with the property. Concerns raised included reports of drug use, prostitution and ongoing disorder, which had a significant impact on nearby residents and the wider community.
Meanwhile, action has also been taken in relation to the former Debenhams building on Long Row following continued incidents involving people unlawfully entering the derelict site, causing anti-social behaviour concerns and serious risks to public safety.
Closure Orders are one of the tools available to local authorities and police under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. They are used in cases where there is serious nuisance, disorder or criminal behaviour linked to a property or premises and where action is needed to protect communities.
Councillor Matt Shannon, Executive Member for Community Protection, Neighbourhoods and Equalities, said: “People deserve to feel safe in their communities and free from the fear and distress that persistent anti-social behaviour can cause. We will not hesitate to take strong action where it is needed to protect the local community.
“These Closure Orders demonstrate the serious action Nottingham City Council and our partners are taking to tackle persistent nuisance, disorder and anti-social behaviour.
“Our Anti-Social Behaviour Team has worked closely with Nottinghamshire Police and partners to gather evidence and secure this result through the courts following significant concerns raised by residents and local communities. Closure Orders are not used lightly, but we will use every available power to protect Nottingham.”
Chief Inspector Kylie Davies said: “This is a great example of partnership working to ensure that we stamp out anti-social behaviour in the city centre and protect our vacant buildings from criminal damage and other unlawful activity.
“We are consistently called to the Debenhams site due to children and young people entering the site, climbing to the roof and putting themselves and the public at risk.
“This further closure order means that we have greater powers to deal with those who attempt to enter the premises, and we will not hesitate to use its full power.”
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