NEIGHBOURS can breathe a sigh of relief after a problem property in Guisborough has been shut down by police.

Cleveland PCSO Lorraine Hudson, who marks 18-years on patrol in the Guisborough ward this month, worked with the neighbourhood team to close the property on Stump Cross.

Residents on the street were being targeted from the property, with people using the house to cause unruly and threatening behaviour, which was making lives a misery.

The Guisborough Neighbourhood Team put together a case before the courts and a Judge agreed for the closure order to go-ahead.

It means that the address is immediately closed until April 5 and anyone now entering the property could be arrested and fined and/or imprisoned.

PCSO Hudson said:“I’ve worked in Guisborough for almost two decades and I love the place and its people.

"The occupant of the address and his visitors were creating havoc and misery for the decent people living on the street.

"As a PCSO I had to do something to stop it from happening.

"Everyone deserves a peaceful life, and the beauty of neighbourhood policing is that we can really dig down into local problems like this and make a positive change.

“Just because our closure order has been put in place now, doesn’t mean the work of our team stops.

"We will be keeping a close eye on the area and would urge anyone facing similar problems to contact us.

"We all joined policing so that we can use the powers available to us to protect people and strengthen communities.”

The Neighbourhood police officers worked closely with staff from Beyond Housing, who own the property, and who were supportive of the police action.

Sharon Dalton, communities manager for Beyond Housing said: “We are pleased that, through our partnership with Cleveland Police, action has been taken to address the issues arising from anti-social behaviour at this property.

"We are wholly committed to working proactively with our partners to ensure that Beyond Housing customers can enjoy safe and peaceful neighbourhoods.”