TWO houses in Kendray have been temporarily ‘closed’ after council officers and staff from Barnsley’s Safer Neighbourhood Service responded to anti-social behaviour concerns and drug-related crime.

The properties, on Gerald Road and Don Drive, are the latest to be closed under the Antisocial Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The three month closure orders were granted at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court last Thursday.

It means only registered tenants, council employees and NHS staff will be able to enter the properties and associated garden boundaries. Police officers also have access.

The SNS is a partnership between Barnsley Council and South Yorkshire Police and brings a new approach to community safety and neighbourhood policing.

Coun Jenny Platts, cabinet spokesman for communities, said: “We listened to residents’ concerns about the two properties and have taken firm action to address the persistent reports of antisocial behaviour and criminal activities. We hope people feel reassured, and we will be rigourously enforcing each order. We’ll continue to do what’s necessary to make our communities safe from harm and improve the quality of life for our residents.”

Inspector Andy Norton, South Yorkshire Police, said: “We became aware these properties were a cause of concern for residents in the area, and the closure orders help to make Barnsley a safer and more enjoyable place for everyone.

“The main aim of the SNS is to protect those who are most vulnerable, and by working alongside our partners at Barnsley Council we can achieve positive results for our communities. We will continue to listen to and work with the public, and I encourage people to report any concerns.”