INCIDENTS of violence, anti-social behaviour and suspected drug-dealing at a nuisance property have led to its immediate closure.

The reported criminality has had a significant, negative impact on the lives of neighbours, with some saying they have become sleep deprived due to the “misery” the occupants of the house had caused. 

There is now an indefinite ban on anybody accessing the house.

The Darlington property, on Chandos Street, has been boarded up and is closed for three months under the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Crime and Policing Act after previous warning notices had been ignored.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court granted Darlington Borough Council’s application for the property closure order on the privately rented property on Thursday (21 April).

The occupant Claire Currie, 45, was not present at court. 

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A nearby resident described the impact the disorder has had on innocent families. They said: “I’m so pleased they’ve gone, I’ve had very little sleep in over a year.

“They’ve caused no end of misery with unsavoury characters coming and going at all hours, I can finally get some sleep.”

Anna Willey, ASB and civic enforcement manager within the council’s Community Safety Team, sought the order after investigating reports of possible drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.

By granting the order it means the court was satisfied the necessary criteria, such as criminal, disorderly or offensive behaviour has, or may, take place in the house.

Inspector Dean Haythornthwaite, of Durham Police, said: “The comings and goings from this address have had a significant, negative impact on the lives of those who live nearby and there have been incidents of violence, anti-social behaviour and suspected drug-dealing.

 “The police and local authority have worked together to improve the lives of those residents affected by this address.”

Councillor Jonathan Dulston, Darlington Borough Council’s deputy leader, added: “We’re pleased the court has granted the closure order and it sends clear signal to others that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in Darlington.

 “Our Civic Enforcement Officers work very closely with officers from Durham Police and other partners in a targeted way to ensure our local communities do not have to endure anti-social behaviour and the negative impact it has on their quality of life.”

Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhood can contact the council’s Civic Enforcement Team on 01325 406999 or email customerservices@darlington.gov.uk.

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