Byron Street Closure Order approved

An application by the Hartlepool Community Safety Team for an order in respect of 29 Byron Street was granted by Teesside Magistrates who also awarded costs of £1,565.89.

The court heard how the tenants had frequent visitors – on foot, on bikes and in vehicles – throughout the day and until the early hours of the morning.

Cars would sound their horns to gain the attention of the tenants, while visitors would shout out and bang loudly on the front door.

The court heard the end of terrace property which is on a walking route to local schools and shops, was linked to drug dealing. The front windows have been smashed on a number of occasions.

29 Byron street

Councillor Brenda Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “This is another great example of the work that the Hartlepool Community Safety Team is doing on the ground to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime.

“This further demonstrates how we are not prepared to allow a lawless minority ruin the lives of neighbouring residents.”

Jonathan Brash, Hartlepool MP and Chair of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, said: “This is one of many closures of this kind since I became MP and I’m delighted to see this tough action against the disgraceful minority who think they can disrupt the lives of the decent majority.

“As MP and Chair of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership I’m here to say loud and clear, your behaviour won’t be tolerated and you will be removed. The selfish thugs who make the lives of ordinary Hartlepool a misery should be shown zero tolerance and as long as I’m around they won’t be. We are scaling up action all the time to ensure people in our town can live in peace and quiet.”

Hartlepool Police Neighbourhoods Inspector Adrian Dack said: “Dealing drugs from a residential property comes with a whole host of anti-social behaviour and misery for neighbours.  Nobody should have to live with someone dealing drugs in the community. 

“This closure order will prevent the occupants returning to the property and the area and will, hopefully, enable those living in the street to live peacefully. We will not tolerate such behaviour and will continue to take action against anti-social behaviour in our communities.”

The Closure Order will remain in force for three months.The maximum penalty for breaching an order is six months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. Anyone who witnesses a breach should call Cleveland Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.