Closure order for Caerphilly property to stop anti-social behaviour

A house in Benjamin Court, Rhymney, Caerphilly has been closed after United Welsh worked with Gwent Police to address concerns of anti-social behaviour and suspected drug use at the property.

A closure order was obtained at Cwmbran Magistrates Court on Friday 11^th June, the terms of which prohibits anyone from entering the property at Benjamin Court for a minimum period of three months except for United Welsh and contracted partners.

United Welsh’s Neighbourhood Safety team supported the Gwent Police application of a closure order to remove the negative impact of anti-social behaviour from neighbours and the local community.

Sian Weeks, Neighbourhood Safety Manager for United Welsh said:

“I would like to thank Gwent Police and people in the community for their role in securing this positive result.

“Everyone has the right to live peacefully in their own homes without having to suffer from the stress caused by anti-social behaviour. We are glad that the closure order will now bring some relief to neighbours and the local community in Benjamin Court.

“We will continue to work with partners to tackle anti-social behaviour in our communities and urge any United Welsh tenants to please not suffer in silence and contact us.”

Under the terms of the order, anyone who is found in the property with no legal entitlement to be there are at risk of being arrested. Breach of a closure order carries a prison sentence of up to six months or a fine of up to £5,000, or both. The order will remain in place until 11^th September 2021.

Gwent Police Crime and Disorder Reduction Officer PC Greg Turley said:

“Officers worked closely with local residents and partners to make this application.

“Consultation also took place with the registered social landlord, the local authority, environmental health and the community safety department.

“I hope the closure order sends a message to those who engage in anti-social behaviour and criminal activity that we have a variety of tools available to deal with them, and reassures local residents that we will always listen to their concerns and take the most appropriate action necessary to ensure quality of life for our communities.”

Anyone wishing to report incidents of anti-social behaviour to United Welsh can do so by contacting the Neighbourhood Safety team here or by reporting it to the police on 101.

In an emergency, always dial 999.