'Bundle of evidence' forces closure order on Bristol property for anti-social behaviour
A property in the centre of Bristol has been closed after reports of drug use, antisocial behaviour and concerns around public safety
A property in the centre of Bristol has been closed after reports of drug use, antisocial behaviour and concerns around public safety.
It's following reports of criminality and the use of drugs at the residential property in Chatterton House.
Police applied for the order and magistrates have now granted a three-month closure order following a decision made earlier this month (March 5).
Officers say 'extensive efforts' by police and the City Council have been made to support the tenant - but that the 'impact of the community was so great' that they had no choice but seek to impose this closure order, which is now in place.
Back in November 2022, the tenant of the local authority-owned property agreed to an 'Acceptable Behaviour Contract' - with the condition that there should be no more than two visitors at the property at any one time.
This was made in agreement between the tenant, police and local authority, however, issues there continued so long that a new contract with stricter conditions was agreed in June last year.
These new conditions included allowing only one visitor inside at any one time.
Police evidence revealed this was breached on multiple occasions, even in the week after it was signed.
Bristol Magistrates Court was this week presented with what's been described as a 'bundle of evidence' and testimonies explaining why a closure order was required.
Antisocial Behaviour Co-ordinator Paul Crouch said: "Residents and visitors have expressed their concern and distress at what has been happening at that property for some time, including fighting, drug dealing and antisocial behaviour. The issues have escalated to such an extent they expressed they didn't feel safe in some communal areas.
"That is clearly unacceptable and why we have worked in partnership with the council to seek intervention from the courts to protect the community.
"We will continue to work collaboratively with other agencies and organisations to provide support to the tenant, but hope this order will make a real positive difference to others living in Chatterton House."