Two properties in Rushden have been served closure orders following reports of ASB

Two properties in a block of flats in Rushden have been served with closure orders after Longhurst Group worked closely with local police to deal with anti-social behaviour.

We’d been receiving numerous reports of anti-social behaviour – including drug dealing, verbal abuse and intimidation – at Risdene Court in Rushden.

Our teams worked closely with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team to gather the evidence required to take the cases to court and there have now been two closure orders granted – immediately improving the quality of life of those living nearby.

Paul Manns, our Housing Officer for the area, said: “Thanks to these orders, nobody but the police or a designated individual can enter these properties for three months.

These orders are only granted where anti-social behaviour is having a big impact on other residents, so we’re really pleased with the outcome.

“Both the properties had been attracting numerous complaints and a lot of it was to do with the amount of people going in and out of the properties as well as the individuals living there.

"We had served eviction notices, but due to Coronavirus, it was taking a long time to do anything. So, due to the high number of complaints received by us and the police, we worked closely together to gather evidence.

“We advised our customers to give reports of everything that had been happening to the police and this has helped secure the two closure orders.

“I’m incredibly happy with the result. It will have a hugely positive impact on the customers living nearby.

One lady living next door to one of the properties is pregnant and even in the short time the property has been closed, she’s reported that her pregnancy is easier to manage.

“Neighbours can now sleep, walk around and feel comfortable so it’s a brilliant result and I’m so happy for them. Their flats are now their homes again.

Hopefully this result shows that, as a responsible landlord, we won’t tolerate anti-social behaviour. We’ll work with our partner agencies to tackle the problem and ensure our communities remain pleasant places in which to live.

The first closure order was imposed in May, with the second secured in July.

Speaking after the first order was granted, East Northants Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant, Leigh Goodwin, said: “I hope this shows that we do take complaints of anti-social behaviour and drug supply seriously and will take action with partners whenever possible to jointly tackle those people responsible.

I also hope it sends a very clear message to those who want to deal drugs, cause anti-social behaviour or make other residents feel intimidated in their own homes that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.

“I’d urge anyone who has concerns about anti-social behaviour to contact us on 101 or call their local council to report incidents. We need as much information as possible to be able to take action and help to tackle the issue.”