Residents in part of Tranmere have been left “petrified” after a spate of serious anti-social behaviour, dog attacks, and noise disturbance linked to a Dial Road business. The premises has now been hit with a three-month Closure Order after causing misery for neighbours.
Locals had to endure cars being dumped in nearby roads, noxious fumes and movement at all hours of the night until the order was granted by Merseyside Magistrates’ Court on October 8.
Large-scale fire at Dial Tyres
Matters escalated significantly on Friday, September 25, when a large-scale fire broke out at the Dial Tyres premises, requiring 14 fire engines to put out the blaze. The fire resulted in numerous road closures in the area.
After the court issued the Closure Order, the ECHO visited the area to see how locals have been affected by their nightmare neighbours.
Residents describe fear and disruption
While some people in the area said they hadn’t been affected by the site until the fire occurred, a nearby resident explained how she had been “petrified” living in the area, which she said “used to be a lovely community.” She said the site causes most distress to locals during the night-time, with constant comings and goings at all hours. She added: “They're like cockroaches, they come alive at night.”
She described the night of the fire as “horrible, just terrifying,” and added: “What was once a lovely community has been ripped apart.”
Council and court response
Local ward councillor Pat Cleary told the ECHO: “For many residents, the Dial Road warehouse fire has been more than an isolated incident. Activities associated with the site have had an unacceptable impact on daily lives, created fears about public health and safety, and placed considerable strain on the local community.
“We are grateful for the recent efforts of council officers, the emergency services and partner agencies in responding to these issues and welcomed the decision of the Magistrates’ Court to grant the council a full Closure Order for the site. The residents’ concerns regarding the handling of the matter over the years have been brought to the chief executive’s attention and will be reviewed. In the meantime, we will continue to push for a resolution to ongoing issues and clear communication with residents.”
Cllr Jenny Johnson, chair of the council's tourism, communities, culture and leisure committee, said: “I welcome the action taken today led by the Anti-Social Behaviour Team but supported by a number of other council colleagues. For far too long, this premises has not acted like a good neighbour at all – in fact, through a variety of actions and behaviours, it has made many residents’ lives a misery.
“A Closure Order is one of the strongest powers available to local authorities and it is used where premises are associated with serious nuisance, disorder, or criminality. I am happy the court has supported the application for the order against this property.”
Merseyside Magistrates’ Court was satisfied that the site's use had resulted in serious antisocial behaviour after being presented with evidence of frequent visitors attending at all hours, noise disturbance, burning of materials causing noxious fumes and behaviour causing alarm and distress to other residents and the local community.
The court heard that local residents had experienced significant disruption to their daily lives and wellbeing over a prolonged period. Complaints from locals included persistent sleep deprivation, concerns for personal safety, intimidation by visitors to the property, and an inability to peacefully enjoy their homes. Despite interventions from a number of council services and partner agencies, the issues continued, leaving many residents fearful and distressed.
