Community '˜overjoyed' as officers shut down problem property in Kirkby

Police say they are pleased with the closure.

Nottinghamshire Police has worked closely with Ashfield District Council to secure the closure order on 18 Springfield Way.

The order, issued by Nottingham Magistrates Court on Tuesday, is the first within the Ashfield district.

Lasting initially for three months, it prohibits anyone from living at or entering the premises at any time.

If an individual breaches the order they would be committing an offence and could be jailed or fined.

Sergeant Carl Holland, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "I'm pleased that the court has issued this closure order on this address.

"The police and partners have not taken these decisions lightly but, as this case shows, where appropriate we will use powers available to us to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and to improve the quality of life of residents.

"We’ve visited this address numerous times following complaints from residents and we believe that the positive action we’re taking sends out the message that we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour in the community."

Councillor Christian Chapman, portfolio holder for crime prevention and community safety, added: "Ashfield District Council’s new administration is taking tackling crime extremely seriously.

"The council’s community protection team have worked closely with Nottinghamshire Police to put this closure order in place.

"The behaviour of the residents of the property was unacceptable and the issue of this order shows that the views of the community are taken seriously.

"This is the first closure order to be issued in the district. The community is overjoyed with the action and feel the council and the police have worked together proactively to safeguard them."