Behave or you might lose your home - 13th Dec 2008 1:57pm
NEW powers to tackle anti-social behaviour across Wirral have come into force this week as part of a Government scheme.
Under the closure orders a property where persistent disorder is reported can be closed temporarily. They work in a similar way to current “crack house'” closure orders that allow premises where the misuse of Class A drugs is causing serious disorder to local residents to be closed for a period of time.
The powers, which are available to police and local authorities, are tenure-neutral and apply to any home, including owner-occupied properties.
Premises can also include residential properties, common areas next to properties, factories, shops, pubs and clubs, public buildings, community centres or halls and car parks.
The affected properties can remain sealed for a further three months, up to a maximum of six months, but other interventions will be used alongside the power to resolve the problem in the longer-term.
Caroline Laing, manager of Wirral's anti-social behaviour team said: “The Home Office has responded to requests from practitioners and enacted this significant piece of legislation.
“While use of this power will not be Wirral's first response to a situation, it is a robust tool and will hopefully provide a significant deterrent to individuals who are either responsible for, or fail to adequately control, anti-social behaviour at their premises.”
Under the closure orders a property where persistent disorder is reported can be closed temporarily. They work in a similar way to current “crack house'” closure orders that allow premises where the misuse of Class A drugs is causing serious disorder to local residents to be closed for a period of time.
The powers, which are available to police and local authorities, are tenure-neutral and apply to any home, including owner-occupied properties.
Premises can also include residential properties, common areas next to properties, factories, shops, pubs and clubs, public buildings, community centres or halls and car parks.
The affected properties can remain sealed for a further three months, up to a maximum of six months, but other interventions will be used alongside the power to resolve the problem in the longer-term.
Caroline Laing, manager of Wirral's anti-social behaviour team said: “The Home Office has responded to requests from practitioners and enacted this significant piece of legislation.
“While use of this power will not be Wirral's first response to a situation, it is a robust tool and will hopefully provide a significant deterrent to individuals who are either responsible for, or fail to adequately control, anti-social behaviour at their premises.”