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Jul 2021

Last Updated: 02/07/2021

Crime

Police and council bid to close two Starbeck houses over crime

by John Plummer

| 02 Jul, 2021

It follows concerns about crime, drug use and anti-social behaviour at two multi-occupancy addresses on Avenue Grove. Visitors to the two addresses are now prohibited.

31 Avenue Grove closure notice

Police and council officers are attempting to close two more properties let by landlord John Willis.

North Yorkshire Police and Harrogate Borough Council have jointly applied to Leeds Magistrates Court for closure orders on 19 and 31 Avenue Grove, Starbeck.

The two organisations can apply to courts for closure orders if they have concerns about antisocial behaviour and criminal behaviour on premises.

The same authorities successfully applied for a three-month closure order on 38 Mayfield Grove, Harrogate, in March. This order expired last month.

All three properties are let by Mr Willis.

A joint statement today by the two authorities said:

"Following concerns about crime, drug use and anti-social behaviour at two multi-occupancy addresses – 19 and 31 Avenue Grove – Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire Police have applied for closure orders.

"Under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, a closure order prohibits access to a property for a specified period. Breach of an order is a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment and/or a fine."

The application was due to be heard on Wednesday but the hearing was adjourned until July 14.

Until this date the two properties have been served with closure notices, which prohibit visitors.

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Dean Richardson, head of safer communities at Harrogate Borough Council, said:

"It is imperative that residents across the Harrogate district feel safe in their homes and community.

"If landlords fail to manage their properties properly, and there is sufficient evidence to support any reports, we will work with the police and partner agencies to explore all legislative options available and act accordingly."

Inspector Nicola Colbourne of North Yorkshire Police said:

"This action once again demonstrates our commitment to ensuring Harrogate remains one of the safest towns to live in.

"By listening to residents and working with partners like Harrogate Borough Council, we can address concerns head-on while offering the appropriate support to any vulnerable people we encounter."

Last month Constable Kelvin Troughton, of North Yorkshire Police, told the Stray Ferret there had been a "reduction of incidents" at 38 Mayfield Grove since the closure order was served.

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Police and council bid to close two Starbeck houses over crime

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