ANYONE visiting a house blighted by antisocial behaviour issues could face prison after it was closed down by authorities in the culmination of a joint operation by Barnsley Council and South Yorkshire Police.
A high volume of calls from nearby residents, relating to the behaviour of visitors to the address on Bank Street, Worsbrough, saw bosses seek a closure order under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The move was granted following a hearing at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court last Thursday, meaning no-one except people authorised by the council can enter for three months.
It is one of just a handful of homes across the borough which have been targeted by the council under the law following previous cases on Hopwood Street and Crookes Street, near Barnsley town centre, and Crown Avenue, Cudworth.
Anyone found to be entering the house over the next three months who isn’t allowed to could face prosecution and ultimately a prison sentence.
Mark Giles, from the council’s Safer Neighbourhood Service (SNS), said: “We’ve taken firm action to address the calls we have received about this address. Residents were living in fear, but this closure order will improve the quality of life for our residents. We’re committed to reducing crime and antisocial behaviour, to make our communities safer.
“One of the key aims of SNS is to make sure that communities who are most in need have access to support. This house was causing many issues for residents, so we’re pleased that the order has been granted.”
If it’s deemed appropriate, the authorities can apply for the order to be extended upon its conclusion, but the success of previous cases - which have all had three-month terms - is deemed to be a suitable timeframe.
According to police figures, Bank Street saw a steady rise in antisocial behaviour such as theft, off-road bikes, criminal damage, violence and fly-tipping in 2018.
A police spokesperson said: “The main aim of the SNS is to protect those who are most vulnerable within our communities and through working alongside partners at Barnsley Council, we were able to work with the occupant of the house, and local residents, to look at ways in which we could make the area a better place for everyone.
“The house will be closed for an initial three months and after that, if necessary, we can apply for the order to be extended. Anyone found to be at the address, other than those authorised, could face arrest and up to six months in prison.
“The use of closure orders can help us to make Barnsley a safer and more enjoyable place for everyone to live and while the order is in place, the SNS team will be working with the occupant and local residents to address any issues of concern.
“We will not tolerate this kind of criminality in our communities and will take whatever action we can to address concerns raised by local residents.”
Chf Supt Scott Green, district commander for Barnsley, added: “The legislation under this act gives us, alongside our partners, another tool to help us tackle antisocial behaviour and criminality.
“I’m pleased that officers, working alongside Barnsley Council, have utilised these powers in order to effectively tackle issues caused at problematic households.”
