Hillingdon Council has successfully obtained two closure orders this month in response to reports of serious incidents of anti-social behaviour, criminal activity, and drug use linked to properties in the borough.
These actions, aimed at safeguarding the community, were sanctioned by Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The first closure order was granted on 7 August for a council-owned property in Uxbridge. The court reviewed evidence presented by the council, police, and witnesses, which detailed troubling incidents including a stabbing, drug dealing, persistent noise, public nuisance, and fly-tipping. These activities were causing significant distress and negatively impacting the quality of life for local residents. Concerns were raised by both the council and police regarding the tenant’s welfare and safety.
A second closure order was issued by the court on 14 August for a property owned by a registered provider of social housing in South Ruislip. The court was informed of various incidents involving theft, drug-related activities, property damage, and ongoing noise nuisance linked to the tenant and visitors to the property.
These orders, which are valid for three months, prohibit anyone from entering the properties except for the landlord, police, emergency services, or utility providers. Violation of these orders can result in fines, imprisonment, or both.
Commenting on the court’s decisions, Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “While these are isolated cases, and the majority of residents and their visitors are respectful of each other, we are aware that anti-social behaviour and criminal activity can occur and that when it’s persistent, it can be the cause of great distress to neighbours and the wider community.
“I hope that these cases serve as a warning to others, that we continue to work very closely with our partners in the police to pursue the toughest enforcement action possible to stamp out illegal activity and any anti-social behaviour that puts our residents’ safety at risk.”
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
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