FRUSTRATED neighbours have welcomed the closure order of a property that has been plagued with anti-social behaviour for months on end.

On Monday, May 13, South Sefton Magistrates Court slapped a three-month closure order on a property on 38 Vicarage Road, Haydock.

Neighbours have reported that anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, and serious violence have persisted for at least 12 months.

Police also reported that persistent noise pollution and threats have been made at the property, which is owned by social housing group, Riverside Housing.

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Neighbours 'so frustrated'

With the closure order prohibiting access to the property until Monday, August 12, neighbours have welcomed the verdict after months of torment.

One Star reader said that neighbours around the property have been "so frustrated" because of the "completely unacceptable behaviour" happening at the property.

While some welcomed the verdict, others bemoaned that it has taken so long for the police and courts to take action.

Police have confirmed that further action will be taken if the closure order is breached, which could result in a fine or imprisonment.

Area 'plagued by anti-social behaviour'

Following the hearing, Local Policing Constable Gareth Bowes said: "This will come as excellent news to those in the area who have been plagued by anti-social behaviour, including persistent noise pollution and threats being made.

"Members of our community have the right to live in peace without suffering from the behaviour of people who have no regard for the impact they cause.

"We understand the stress that such behaviour leads to and will continue to work closely with residents and partners, including our local authorities and housing associations, to take action.

“Thanks to information provided by all parties, we were able to gather the information and present this at court.

“What you see, hear and experience really helps us take this action, so I would continue to encourage our communities to come forward and speak to us when these issues affect you.”

Customer safety an 'important priority'

Riverside Housing added: "Customer safety is an important priority for Riverside and so is listening to customers and acting on their feedback.

"In this case, we've done exactly that. Our dedicated and professional customer safety team worked closely with the police to protect our customer and secure this closure order.

"We know it has been a very difficult time for the customers affected by this situation and we hope the decision of the court will bring them some peace. Riverside will continue to pursue tenancy enforcement action against this tenant to ensure they can not return to their property after closure expires."

You can report anti-social behaviour and other crime via the police social media desk @MerPolCC or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Twitter, or via 101. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.