Two problem properties linked to drug-related activity - which was causing misery for neighbours - have been closed down. 

The Chesterfield Safer Neighbourhood Team joined forces with Chesterfield Borough Council to obtain three-month closure orders for two homes in the town, putting an end to distress for concerned neighbours.

A flat in Chertsey Close, Grangewood, was the first to be boarded up after a closure order was granted during a hearing at Derby Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 16 January.

It comes after reports from residents about the constant flow of people visiting the property at all hours and suspected drug-related activity.

This led the council’s housing team to investigate further and install cameras to help gather evidence, which was successfully presented in court.

Another problem property was shut at Sidmouth Court, Newbold, following reports of nuisance behaviour, drug dealing, excessive amounts of visitors attending the property and reports of threatening comments being made in the community.

The three-month full closure order was granted at Derby Magistrates’ Court on Friday 17 January.

The closure orders mean that nobody, including the tenant, can attend these properties during the three-month period other than council officers or emergency services.

Any person who breaches the closure order could be arrested and may be liable for a fine, imprisonment, or both.

Police Constable Stuart Hind, of the Chesterfield Safter Neighbourhood Team, said: “We always work with tenants in order to give them an opportunity to turn things around.

“However, there does come an end point where we have to take enforcement action.

“Residents who are trying to lead decent lives should not have to put up with nuisance neighbours bringing criminality to their doorstep.

“We will always be there to take swift action to ensure the majority of law-abiding residents will not have their lives blighted by the nuisance minority.

“The team would also like to thank the local community for coming forward to report nuisance incidents, which has been vital to us securing these closure orders. If you have been a victim or crime, or have witnessed crime in your community, please tell us and we will take swift action.”

Councillor Jean Innes, cabinet member for housing at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We want to make sure that everyone feels comfortable in their own homes and local area and we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour in our communities.

“We’re really grateful for the hard work of our housing officers who have worked closely with the police to obtain these two closure orders and prevent any further distress for concerned neighbours.

“We will always act on any reports from concerned residents, so if you are worried about anti-social behaviour in your local area, please report it so that we can take action as soon as possible.”

Members of the public can report incidents of anti-social behaviour directly to Derbyshire Constabulary here:- Report antisocial behaviour | Derbyshire Constabulary

For general advice about antisocial behaviour, including how we can support victims,  visit Antisocial behaviour | Derbyshire Constabulary

Anti-social behaviour can also be reported directly to Chesterfield Borough Council via the My Chesterfield platform. More information can be found at   https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/living-here/neighbourhoods/anti-social-behaviour/report-anti-social-behaviour-through-my-chesterfield.aspx.

Council tenants can also contact their housing officer by emailing housingmanagement@chesterfield.gov.uk.