Closure Order secured to protect residents from persistent anti-social behaviour in Newark

Jason Wharton, a Newark resident, has been issued with a Closure Order following numerous complaints from neighbours. Reports included drug dealing and drug use, loud parties continuing into the early hours, a high volume of visitors coming and going, and frequent disturbances involving shouting, swearing, and screaming during arguments at the property.

Due to the severity and persistence of the incidents, legal action was necessary. Officers from the District Council’s Public Protection and Housing teams, supported by the Newark Police Neighbourhoods team, worked together to secure the Closure Order and safeguard the wellbeing of affected residents.

A Closure Order is designed to provide immediate relief for the community from anti-social behaviour (ASB) being committed from a property, and it is an offence to enter or remain on premises in contravention of a Closure Notice or Closure Order without reasonable excuse, punishable by a fine, imprisonment or both. Mr Wharton was issued a Full Closure Order, meaning he is no longer granted access to the property.

Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: "This Closure Order sends a clear message that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour in our communities. The persistent disruption caused by this property had a significant impact on the wellbeing of local residents, and I’m proud of the swift and collaborative action taken by our Public Protection and Housing teams, alongside Nottinghamshire Police, to restore safety to the area.

"Newark and Sherwood District Council remains 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 choose to behave in a way that harms others are held accountable."

Councillor Lee Brazier, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “"Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure in their home and community. The behaviour linked to this property was completely unacceptable and had a serious impact on the lives of nearby residents. I commend the joint efforts of our Housing and Public Protection teams at our Police colleagues in taking decisive action to protect those affected.

"We will always stand by our residents and tenants and take robust action when necessary to ensure our neighbourhoods remain places people are proud to live in."

Sergeant Kate Taylor, of the Newark Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This property has blighted the lives of neighbouring residents for some time now, so we’re pleased to see it boarded up. Despite receiving countless warnings, the tenants continued to allow this property to become a hub for criminality, with offences ranging from ASB, to drug-taking, to thefts. This stream of trouble has caused real misery to those living nearby, so we hope vacating this flat for the next three months will provide them with some much-needed respite.

“The ASB team at the council – who we work closely with to crackdown on ASB issues – have put in a lot of effort to secure this closure, so we are really pleased to see it get authorised.”

Newark and Sherwood District Council is committed to tackling criminal and anti-social behaviour such as this. The ASB Officers and Community Protection Officers work closely with the Council’s Housing Team and partners such as Nottinghamshire Police to act proactively to ensure communities are kept safe.