Two homes at the centre of serious anti-social behaviour complaints closed and the female tenants removed after court approves Ashford Borough Council applications

Two homes in Newtown Green which have been at the centre of serious anti-social behaviour complaints have been closed and the female tenants of each removed after Folkestone Magistrates Court granted closure order applications made by Ashford Borough Council.

Both properties are now closed for a three-month period. The court orders granted on 29 May prohibits anyone from entering, with the exception of Council staff and Police Officers. The two female tenants have been removed from the homes, their keys confiscated and the properties have both been secured.

The court heard that the Council’s Housing team received numerous complaints from neighbours about anti-social behaviour at both properties, which are located close to each other in Newtown Green. Kent Police had been called to the properties on several occasions.

The allegations described to the court were that of the defendants engaging in disorderly, offensive and criminal behaviour. They were consistently allowing the two premises to be used for criminal and disruptive anti-social behaviour. 

There were regular visitors to the homes who also engaged in the behaviours described, which included: drug use, noise and music after 10pm, banging doors, threatening behaviour to contractors, visitors and residents, verbal abuse, harassment, drunken behaviour, littering, criminal damage and intimidation, which included at times a bladed article described as a ‘Rambo knife’ and also boiling oil.

Ashford Borough Council secured both court orders under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and the proceedings were supported by Kent Police.

The orders mean that anyone who is found by the Police to be in the properties who are not authorised to be there is committing a criminal offence, and, if found guilty, are liable to imprisonment for up to 51 weeks or a fine.

A spokesman for the Council’s Housing team said: “This underlines that we have a zero-tolerance approach towards ASB. These properties have been at the root of persistent problems and nuisance to neighbours, with people visiting at all hours, drug dealing, and causing noise and intimidation. 

“These issues make people’s lives a misery and we hope the outcome of these cases will reassure our communities that we do not tolerate it and we will respond with appropriate action. 

“If you are affected by the illegal activities of another resident resulting in anti-social behaviour, then don’t suffer in silence. You can use our Report It service on our website or report your concerns to the Police. With your help we can take action against the offenders.”

Kent Police say people can contact them by calling 101, or 999 if a crime is taking place, or online via their website. Additionally, you can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Council Chief Executive Tracey Kerly said: “I congratulate our Housing and Legal teams and everyone else involved in securing these two closure orders. This is a clear demonstration of how this behaviour will not be tolerated and that there are tools we can use to create some peace for our law-abiding communities.”