A PROBLEM property at the centre of complaints around fighting, dog fouling and violence has been shut down.

Teesside Magistrates Court made the Closure Order for 11 Railway Terrace in Brotton, East Cleveland yesterday, following complaints of anti-social behaviour going back nearly a year.

This means the problem tenants must leave the rental property which will then be screened for three months before it comes back into use.

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council applied to the court for the closure order following months of complaints from neighbours including 13 calls to the police since January 3.

The council was supported by the landlords, housing association Beyond Housing, and also worked closely the area’s Neighbourhood Police team.

Jonathan Gittins, prosecuting for the council, told the court that there had been complaints relating to threats, assault, criminal damage, weapons and violence reported to the authorities.

He added that problems started around March 2020 at which time councillors were approached by residents reporting anti-social behaviour.

Residents were given diary sheets and since then have documented more than 30 separate incidents of anti-social behaviour and crime relating to the occupants and their associates at 11 Railway Terrace.

Neighbours have also reported numerous anti-social behaviour problems to Beyond Housing including threats, playing loud music, banging doors, frequent cars visiting causing noise nuisance, shouting, swearing, dog fouling, arguing in the street, fighting and breaching Covid-19 regulations.

Mr Gittins said that the tenants received a number of warnings from the council and Beyond Housing before the decision was made to apply for an order.

One tenant contested the order in court, denying the more serious allegations and arguing he was being confused with other culprits.

After considering the evidence, the District Judge ordered the house should be closed for three months from today, Friday February 19, which means no-one will be allowed to live in the property.

After the case was heard, Councillor Barry Hunt, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “We won’t hesitate do what we have to in order to protect people who deserve to live in peace in their homes.

"The decision to go to court is never, ever taken lightly – but we will do it whenever necessary so ensure people have quality of life where they live.”