Devon & Cornwall Police, Cornwall Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team and officers from LiveWest Housing, have attended Truro Magistrates Court to apply for two separate closure orders.

A full closure order was granted on 23 St Clare Flats, Penzance.

The full closure was granted in response to a number of reports of crime, anti-social behaviour and disorder at the address involving both the tenant and guests attending the property.

The tenant failed to manage their tenancy and committed a number of breaches of the agreement with LiveWest including allowing visitors to have a free run of the premises as well as drug taking and dealing in the property.

Residents have also witnessed violent fights at the address causing many tenants to fear for their safety.

Penzance Police Officers, Cornwall Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Caseworker and Housing Officer’s from LiveWest each tried to engage and offer support to  the tenant to address the issues however the advice was ignored leaving agencies with no other choice but to apply for enforcement action to protect the community.

Following the hearing, officers proceeded to the premises where the property was boarded up after the tenant had vacated. The premises will be closed for a period of three months which will allow local residents to enjoy their homes without feeling intimidated and scared.

PCSO Mortimer from Penzance Neighbourhood Team said “This closure is another great example of partnership working to address concerns raised by the local community. All agencies have worked closely to make this closure a success to improve the quality of life for the other residents at the location. Local support services have also been informed of the closure.”

A second order was granted for premises in the St Ives area. This Order was a Partial Closure Order and was granted as a result of domestic arguments which came from the property and caused a nuisance to the surrounding community. T

he partial closure allows the family and supporting agencies to remain and attend the premises, but prohibits those identified, who have had a negative influence at the premises, from visiting.

PC Saint from St Ives Neighbourhood Team said “The collaborative working between our Police, Cornwall Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team and LiveWest, Housing providers, resulted in the partial closure order. Anti-social behaviour has an adverse effect on people and the community and it will not be tolerated.

"The police, are here to ensure that people can go about their day to day life peacefully and come home without having to worry about additional stresses such as hearing shouting, swearing and seeing abusive behaviour”.

Dorian Thomas from Cornwall Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team said: “Many people will have challenging times within their lifetime. We will work with and assist in finding an alternative lifestyle for them, but to achieve this they must make a commitment to change themselves guided by the many support services in the community. If this support and guidance is ignored we will act accordingly and proportionately when dealing with this type of behaviour to give confidence to the community by actively supporting those negatively affected”.

Residents are encouraged to continue to report anti-social behaviour by using the 101 number or in cases of an emergency dial 999.