Sunderland City Council secures first closure order

It comes after numerous complaints against a noisy and disorderly neighbour who repeatedly breached an anti-social behaviour injunction.  

The anti-social behaviour injunction was brought by the council against Roxanne Brennan of Sandringham Road in September last year after complaints of loud music being played throughout the day and night, abusive and threatening language, and physical violence were substantiated by a council investigation. 

Residents of Sandringham Road say life returned to normal for a few months after the injunction, but the adult disorder, verbal aggression and physical violence has since become worse than ever.

Sunderland City Council Neighbourhoods Enforcement Team submitted a closure order application to the courts when further reports of excessive noise, foul language, shouting, screaming and threats of violence were reported by residents and corroborated by the council's noise monitoring application, Enforcement Officer patrols, witness statements and police logs. 

The closure order - granted by South Tyneside Magistrates Court - remains in effect for a period of three months and prohibits anyone from remaining on or entering the premises, except the landlord/agent for maintenance purposes.

Any person breaching the order will be liable on summary conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 51 weeks imprisonment, a fine, or both.

The closure order is an interim measure to ensure the anti-social behaviour desists immediately and gives respite to residents whose quality of life is being impacted.  A file for breach of the anti-social behaviour injunction has also been submitted to the courts. 

Fiona Brown, Executive Director of Neighbourhoods at Sunderland City Council, said: "We feel that the outcome of this case sends out a strong message that persistent anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in Sunderland.

"Ms Brennan's neighbours have been negatively affected by her irresponsible behaviour and our priority is to protect the decent, law abiding citizens of our city. Individuals persistently showing disregard for the community and allowing their actions to have a detrimental effect on others will be dealt with via the sternest possible means."

To log a complaint about noise and or anti-social behaviour visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/report-it. or by calling 0191 520 5550