Judge grants closure order

District Judge Lomax has granted the closure of 4 Lancaster Close, Newton le Willows under anti-social behaviour legislation.

The Closure Order was granted following three months of intense noise nuisance, parties and large groups of visitors to the property occupied by Daniel Helsby.  The court heard of  persistent nuisance and anti-social behaviour for local residents during the case held at St. Helens Magistrates Court on August 6.

Helsby ignored numerous warnings from Helena Partnerships, St Helens Council and Merseyside Police about his behaviour and told of the consequences which would follow.

Council Safer Communities staff worked in partnership with Helena Partnerships and Merseyside Police to progress the Closure Order quickly to stop the residents from suffering further distress.

Nine local residents came forward and gave evidence at the hearing - after their lives had been turned upside down by Helsby and his visitors over a short period of time.

Says Councillor Sue Murphy, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Safer Communities and Youth:  "It is encouraging to see that such strong ties exist within areas and that groups of residents are prepared to tackle the problem head on and support one another through very stressful times."

Joy Wilson Manager of Helena Partnerships' Anti-nuisance team says "Helena Partnerships will not tolerate anti-social behaviour caused by our tenants and this is a great example of how working in partnership really works to protect our communities."

Under the Closure Order, the property will remain closed for a period of three months.  Any person who enters or remains on the premises is liable to a fine or imprisonment or both.