A teenage tenant who played loud music late into the night has become the first in Brighton and Hove to be evicted using new powers to combat antisocial behaviour.
The girl, who lived in Sheridan Terrace, Hove, was also accused of loud shouting, swearing, verbal abuse and intimidation so extreme that some neighbours had to move out at weekends.
On Wednesday, Brighton Magistrates’ Court granted a three-month closure order and within hours, the council and police were at the flat locking her out.
Cllr Maria Caulfield, cabinet member for housing, said:”The behavior this resident inflicted on her neighbours was unacceptable and this sends out the message that the council will act quickly to route it out.
“I hope this case sends out a strong and clear warning that nuisance will not be tolerated in our communities. We will utilize every power available to make our neighborhoods safer for responsible, law abiding members of the community.”
Richard Jordan, senior antisocial housing officer, said: “The ASB team is wholly committed to acting swiftly and decisively when dealing with serious nuisance in our housing stock. We will not tolerate situations where the behaviour of one household has such a destructive impact on the lives of other residents.”
“Obtaining a closure order is always an action of last resort, however the council’s housing services will not shy away from taking such action if it is needed. ”
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Jason Hazzard said: “Since August last year police have been called on numerous occasions to the address. Calls were mainly to do with anti social behaviour such as fighting, shouting, swearing and drunkenness which was significantly impacting on the lives of other residents.”
This was the first time the city has been granted a closure order under the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003.
If you are a victim of anti-social behavior contact the Partnership Community Safety Team or your local housing office on 29000 it is only by working together with us that we can deal with anti-social behaviour.