Fights, weapons, drugs, fires: Why a Hartlepool house has been closed down by court
Further details have been revealed about why authorities used anti-social behaviour legislation to close down a house.
The application to shut 6 Exmoor Grove, Hartlepool, was granted by Teesside Magistrates’ Court, in Middlesbrough, after concerns led by Hartlepool Borough Council.
The order, which was granted under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, means only the council, the emergency services or someone working for the Thirteen housing group or their representatives can enter the property until June 16.
The case included evidence of fights, the use of weapons, drug taking and dealing, fires and threats to nearby residents.
Hartlepool Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Adrian Dack said: “This order means that residents in this area can now live without the constant noise and anti-social behaviour that comes with drugs activity and can feel safer in their neighbourhoods.
"Working closely with our partners, we are committed to taking positive action to protect our communities and tackle criminals.”
Councillor Owen Riddle, the chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s neighbourhoods and regulatory services committee, added: “I want to make it absolutely clear that this kind of lawlessness will not be tolerated in Hartlepool.
"When individuals choose to repeatedly blight a neighbourhood with violence, drug activity and intimidation, they leave us no choice but to step in.
"This action shows that we will stand firmly with residents and take tough measures to shut down properties used for crime.”
The court heard that the tenant of the flat, which is owned by Thirteen Group, had been allowing criminal and antisocial behaviour to occur at the flat since September 2024.
He has been ordered to pay more than £1,200 in court courts.
Thirteen’s Housing and Communities Director Kay Glew said: “Keeping our customers safe is always our priority, and we understand the impact this kind of behaviour has had on people living nearby.
"We won’t tolerate our homes being used for crime or anti-social behaviour, and we’re grateful to our partners for their support in securing this Closure Order.
“We hope this action provides reassurance to residents that steps are being taken to protect the community and we’ll continue working closely with Hartlepool Borough Council and Cleveland Police to prevent further disruption and ensure the neighbourhood remains a safe place to live.”