A house that made neighbours' lives an "absolute misery" has been closed down and the owners now have to pay over £2000 in costs.

Magistrates have granted a Closure Order on the Hartlepool house following complaints from neighbours about crime and anti-social behaviour.

An application for 233 Oxford Road made by the multi-agency Hartlepool Community Safety Team was approved at a hearing before Teesside Magistrates earlier this week.

An application for costs of £2,186.40 was also granted.

The court heard that since February 2023 the tenant has been allowing anti-social behaviour and crime to occur by having frequent visitors to the property on foot, bikes, mopeds and cars.

Neighbouring residents say the visits occur throughout the day and carry on until the early hours of the morning, keeping them awake at night.

They have complained about drug dealing from the address, and say discarded drug paraphernalia is left outside.

They also say they have to put up with noise nuisance which includes shouting, banging on the front door, visitors whistling up at the property, visitors being under the influence of drugs and arguing.

Windows at the property have been smashed several times.

The Closure Order which will remain in place for three months, prevents the tenant from accessing the property.

Tony Hanson, Hartlepool Borough Council’s executive director of development, neighbourhoods and regulatory services, said: “This shows how determined we are to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. People should be able to live in peace, free from fear, and I hope that this sends out a clear message that we are not prepared to tolerate behaviour that makes law-abiding residents’ lives a misery.”

Inspector Adrian Dack of Hartlepool Police added: “We are determined to tackle criminal behaviour that is ruining the lives of people living in this community and we hope that the order sends out a clear message to that effect.

“In securing this Closure Order, the Hartlepool Community Safety Team which brings together staff from Hartlepool Borough Council, Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire Brigade, has again demonstrated the importance of effective partnership working when it comes to tackling criminal activity, restoring order and reassuring residents.”

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The property in question is owned by Thirteen Group.

Thirteen’s Director of Operations Kay Glew said: "Ensuring that our customers feel safe in their home and within the community where they live is our priority. We won’t tolerate our homes being used for crime and anti-social behaviour, as we understand the devastating impact behaviour like this can have on those who live close by.

“We are pleased the Closure Order has been granted for one of Thirteen’s homes. We’ll continue to work in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council and Cleveland Police to reduce anti-social behaviour and crime in our communities.”