Flat closed after bad behaviour reported for months

Reports of persistent noise, drug activity and other alleged criminal behaviour over six months have led to a Northampton flat being closed for three months.

Northamptonshire Police said the closure order had been granted to the property at Lawrence Court by Northampton Magistrates' Court.

It means no-one is allowed to enter the property, which has been locked and boarded up.

West Northamptonshire Council said it took the action with police and Northamptonshire Partnership Homes, after residents became "fearful of leaving their homes due to the behaviour".

The council said people had complained about the property since March, witnessing alleged anti-social behaviour, excessive noise, suspected drug dealing and drug use, and "large groups of people gathering at the property and in surrounding communal areas at all hours of the day and night".

They also heard "persistent noise from shouting, arguments, fighting, and banging on doors and windows, alongside concerns about cannabis use, littering, alcohol-related disorder, and drug-related activity", the council added.

Charlie Hastie, Reform UK deputy leader and cabinet member for housing and communities, said there had been "significant distress to neighbouring residents over many months, affecting their quality of life and sense of safety in their own homes".

"We will continue to use the powers available to us to tackle anti-social behaviour and protect our communities."

Insp Scott Farrant, from Northamptonshire Police, added that "everyone has the right to feel safe and comfortable in their own home".

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