Closure order submitted for problem property

Sunderland City Council has secured a closure order on a property in Roker following complaints from neighbours about excessive noise and anti-social behaviour.

The closure order - supported by Northumbria Police - follows repeated breaches of a Community Protection Warning and Community Protection Notice against Roselyn Knighton of Burscough Crescent.

Residents of Burscough Crescent and the surrounding streets say there is frequently fighting, arguing, drunkenness and excessive noise late at night in and around Knighton's property, as well as abusive behaviour towards neighbours.

They say incidents have become more serious and more frequent, and that they no longer feel safe.

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.

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 stops immediately and gives respite to residents whose quality of life is being impacted. A file for breach of Community Protection Notice has also been submitted to the courts.

Councillor Claire Rowntree, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "We feel that the outcome of this case sends a strong message that persistent anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in this city.

"We want to protect Sunderland's decent, law abiding citizens, and no one deserves to be subjected to abusive behaviour around their own homes. The closure order granted today will allow the residents of Burscough Crescent some respite and show that we take reports of anti-social behaviour very seriously."

"I'd also like to thank the residents who reported this anti-social behaviour and worked with the City Council and Northumbria Police to help us take this action, as well as the vast majority of our residents who act responsibly by being considerate of their neighbours."

Inspector Steve Prested, of Northumbria Police, added: "We know that this address has caused misery within the local community and this simply will not be tolerated.

"We are pleased that this order can now give residents that much-needed respite and ensure this nuisance neighbour can cause no further problems.

"Where it is appropriate, we will pursue criminal prosecutions against offenders but there are other ways to respond to these types of concerns from residents - and this is a fantastic example of partnership working to bring about a positive change.

"I'd like to thank the community for their ongoing cooperation and hope this positive outcome offers them reassurance. By working hand-in-hand with the council, we will continue to tackle these issues and would always encourage residents to report them."

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