Only a handful of people – including the tenant – will have access to a Peterborough flat for the next three months after a partial ‘closure’ order was obtained by Cambridgeshire police. Flat 2 at 57 Lincoln Road, Peterborough, is part of a complex of social housing provided by Accent Nene Housing Association.
It has been ‘closed’ by police for three months following persistent anti-social behaviour and concerns around cuckooing, a practice where someone’s home is being exploited by visitors.
The order was issued following a successful application at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Wednesday) by the local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT).
It states the premises is subject to a partial closure order as its use has resulted in disorderly, offensive, or criminal behaviour, causing serious nuisance to members of the public.
The flat property is closed to anyone other than the legal tenants, specific named individuals, members of the emergency services, social services, healthcare professionals and any employee of the landlord – Accent Nene Housing Association – until 3 January 2024.
Failure to comply with the order is a criminal offence which could result in imprisonment for up to three months, a fine, or both.
PC Ruth Watson, from Peterborough’s City Centre NPT, said: “The address has come to our attention on a regular basis with concerns around the tenants being exploited, reports of drug use and dealing, complaints of excessive noise and various anti-social behaviour in communal areas including people sleeping in the stairwells, taking drugs, urinating, and defecating.
“Despite interventions and offers of support from various agencies, the behaviour has continued therefore, through joint working with the housing provider, we have been able to secure this partial closure which we hope, by preventing problem visitors, will significantly reduce the impact on other residents and the tenants themselves.”
Anyone with information about the order being breached should contact police online at www.cambs.police.uk/report or call 101.
Accent Housing, who provide low-cost housing to those in need, took over two-storey 57 Lincoln Road, Peterborough, which is the former headquarters of the Peterborough Building Society. Two-storey building with brick with stone dressings and mansard roof.
