A COUNCIL has secured a closure order on a property following complaints from neighbours about excessive noise, disorder and drug use.

The closure order follows repeated breaches of an anti-social behaviour injunction obtained by Sunderland City Council against Stacey Tench of Kenilworth Court, Washington, in November 2020.

The council was granted the injunction against Tench at Sunderland County Court after complaints of excessive noise, disorder, drug use and damage to property were substantiated by a council investigation.

However, Tench failed to rectify her behaviour and there were further substantiated reports of large numbers of visitors being invited to the property, loud music playing at all hours and objects being thrown at neighbours who complained about the disturbances.

Following the repeated breaches of the injunction order, the City Council took further action and successfully obtained a closure order from South Tyneside Magistrates Court excluding Tench and any other person(s) from the privately rented property for three months. This could be extended if there are further issues.

Failure to comply with the closure notice is punishable by a maximum of 51 weeks imprisonment, or a fine or both.

The closure order is an interim measure designed to put an immediate stop to the anti-social behaviour and provide some respite for residents whose quality of life is being impacted.

The original anti-social behaviour injunction will also remain effective, irrespective of any change of address. A file for breach of the injunction has also been submitted to the courts and carries a punishment of up to two years imprisonment.

Councillor Claire Rowntree, deputy leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “I hope this case sends out a strong message that we are not prepared to tolerate anti-social behaviour in our communities.

“People shouldn’t have to put up with this type of anti-social and irresponsible behaviour in their neighbourhood and it’s only right that we should stand up for the decent, law abiding citizens of our city by taking tough action against those who make their neighbours lives a misery.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to those who took the time and the trouble to report this anti-social behaviour and worked with the City Council and Northumbria Police to help us take this action, and to thank the vast majority of our residents who act responsibly by being considerate of their neighbours.”

To log a complaint about noise and or anti-social behaviour visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/report-it. or by calling 0191-520-5550