Derwent & Solway Housing Association (D&S), a member of Harvest Housing Group, has been granted an injunction by Whitehaven County Court which prohibits a previous tenant, Harry John Nicholson, 36, from entering any of their properties, following anti social behaviour and drug-related activities.
The application for the injunction order, made by D&S, was heard at Whitehaven County Court on 4 September following reports from local residents and the police about Nicholson’s drug related activities.
The Injunction Order will prevent Mr Nicholson from: engaging or threatening to engage in conduct causing or likely to cause a nuisance or annoyance to any person with a right to visit, reside in or occupy housing accommodation in the locality of Moorclose, Workington.
Mr Nicholson will also be prohibited from entering any properties owned by D&S in the Moorclose area and will be arrested if found to be in breach. The order will remain in place for 12months until 4 September 2009.
Robert Porter, Director of Derwent & Solway Housing Association, commented:
“This legal action is important for D&S and all the residents of Moorclose as it demonstrates that we will not tolerate any form of anti social behaviour in our communities.”
On the same day Cumbria Constabulary were also successful in applying for the closure of 2 Glen Road, a D&S property that had been frequented by Nicholson. The police applied for the Order under crack house legislation where there was evidence of Class ‘A’ drug use and anti social behaviour, meaning the property will be sealed for a 3-month period.
The Association’s Community Safety Team worked with the police instigating their own legal action meaning that the tenancy will be brought to an end during this time.
Mr Porter commented:
“We are committed to working with other agencies to take the appropriate action where there is evidence of unacceptable behaviour at any of our properties. Legal action is taken as a last resort, but ultimately the rights of local residents to live their lives free of anti social behaviour in their community is paramount”.