Closure Order Issued On Troubled Flat In Stoughton

Published on: 31 Dec, 2014
Updated on: 11 Jan, 2015

A flat in Stoughton, plagued by antisocial behaviour that included threats to neighbours, has been boarded up following a closure order obtained by the police.

The order was granted on Monday, December 29, for 6 Ardmore House, Manor Road, after numerous reports from local residents that the flat is associated with ongoing nuisance.

PC Jay Riley (left) and PC Michael Knight at 6 Ardmore House, Manor Road, Stoughton, Guildford.

It was granted after evidence was provided to South West Surrey Magistrates’ Court in Guildford.

Magistrates heard how a constant stream of visitors caused noise, criminal damage to the communal door, and used threatening and/or abusive behaviour on a regular basis.

The local residents would also be regularly subjected to further disruption including fights and associated drug related nuisance, causing them harassment, alarm and distress.

The premise has been boarded up with notices informing the public it is closed to protect the neighbourhood from future acts of antisocial behaviour. The order was granted with immediate effect under the Part 4 Chapter 3 Section 80 of the ASB Crime and Policing Act and the property will be sealed for a three month period providing respite for the community.

When granting the order, magistrates specifically referred to the evidence provided by PC Michael Knight, who is the local neighbourhood specialist.

The landlord, Guildford Borough Council, support the action being taken by Surrey Police in the closure of the premises.

Under the New Crime and Policing Act 2014, the landlord has the power to serve notice to take possession of the property. If successful the tenant will be permanently excluded from the property. The order is in place until March 29 2015, and anyone seen entering the property will be arrested and is liable to receive a fine or face a custodial sentence for breaching the order.

Magistrates upheld local residents’ right to enjoy peace and tranquillity in their homes and gardens.

Guildford Neighbourhood Sergeant Andy Murphy said: “The purpose of the order is not only to help the community affected by the persistent antisocial behaviour but to send out the message antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated by Surrey Police and we will seek powers such as using the Hearsay Act which was used by residents to give evidence anonymously to bring offenders to justice and keeping Surrey a pleasant place in which to live and work.”

Anyone who has information on antisocial behaviour in their area and would like some help and advice can contact their Surrey Police Safer Neighbourhood Team by calling 101.