A flat on Tollemache Street in New Brighton has been hit with a three-month closure order following reports of serious anti-social behaviour at all hours. The order was granted by Wirral Magistrates' Court on September 17 under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. It bans access to the property, with limited exceptions, until 4pm on December 16.
Residents' accounts of disruption
The application for the closure order followed investigations by Wirral Council's anti-social behaviour team and Prima Housing Group, supported by evidence provided by residents. A notice on the front door of 64 Tollemache Street states that Flat 3 is the property in question.
Views among neighbours varied depending on proximity to the flat. A woman further down the road felt the issue had been "blown out of proportion", while a gentleman in the immediate vicinity said the area felt like "smackhead city", with men in balaclavas turning up and shouting at all hours of the night. He added: "It's been nuts, it's just crazy. I feel unsafe living here."
Concerns over house prices
Other residents expressed concern that the order and subsequent coverage could affect house prices in the area. One woman said: "I feel for anyone who had planned to sell up soon."
Cllr Jenny Johnson, chair of the tourism, communities, culture and leisure committee for Wirral Council, said: "This is a really good example of the council working in partnership with other agencies to take decisive and effective action against those whose behaviour impacts negatively on other people, and the wider community. We will always look to use the powers we have under the law to tackle anti-social behaviour and nuisance neighbours when issues are reported to us."
