Newark and Sherwood District Council, working in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police, has secured two closure orders on properties in the Newark area following continued reports of serious criminal and anti-social behaviour.
Both orders were secured at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Friday 9 October 2026. The action follows months of persistent nuisance affecting neighbouring residents. The orders prohibit access to the properties for an initial 3-month period, giving affected residents much-needed respite, whilst enforcement action is considered.
A privately owned property on Barrows Gate, Newark, had been rented to tenants, when the tenants left the property, it was accessed by several individuals without authority to do so, subsequently becoming an ‘open house’ for drug use, criminal activity, and anti-social behaviour. Several arrests have also been made at the property.
The District Council, working closely with the landlord and Nottinghamshire Police, has now secured the property to prevent further misuse.
The second order relates to a Newark and Sherwood District Council-owned property on Yorke Drive, where the tenant, James Bunch, has allowed the use of his property to individuals, who have caused nuisance and significant concern among local residents in recent months. James Bunch, who also has links to the property on Barrows Gate, is no longer permitted to enter the property.
Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said:
When we put closure orders in place, we do so to protect local people and give the community immediate respite. These closure orders send a clear message that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour in our communities.
I would like to thank our teams and Nottinghamshire Police for their swift action in securing these orders on properties associated with persistent anti-social behaviour. We remain committed to tackling criminal and anti-social behaviour wherever it arises. We will continue working closely with our partners to ensure residents feel safe and supported, and that those who behave in ways that harm others are held accountable.
Councillor Lee Brazier, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said:
Everyone who lives in one of our homes deserves to feel safe and secure. The behaviour associated with this property was unacceptable, and action was necessary to protect the wider community. I would like to thank our teams and Nottinghamshire Police for working together to secure the closure order.
We will continue to stand by our residents and tenants, taking robust action when necessary to keep our neighbourhoods safe and ensure they remain places people are proud to call home.
Inspector Charlotte Ellam, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood, said:
These two properties have been causing constant issues for residents for some time now, so it's pleasing to see these orders now secured.
Having listened to the concerns of our communities, we understand the negative impact persistent antisocial and nuisance behaviour can have on others.
That’s why we will always look to support any opportunities to work with our partners, like the council, to take action against anyone deemed to be acting in this manner.
Residents are encouraged to report concerns about anti-social behaviour. Anyone who wishes to report ASB can speak to our ASB team in confidence about any issues or concerns they may have. To register an ASB complaint, contact the District Council or use the online ASB reporting form.
If a crime is in progress or life is in danger, you should dial 999. To report non-urgent anti-social behaviour contact the police on 101.
