Neighbour Locked Out

Huddersfield Daily Examiner (Huddersfield, England), June 23, 2009

RESIDENTS in part of Kirklees are celebrating after new legislation rescued them from a neighbour's antisocial behaviour.

Dewsbury Magistrates granted a "premises closure order" to shut Peter Berry's flat on Chinewood Avenue, Batley, and end his persistent antisocial behaviour.

The flat was very dirty and used for extremely loud parties and as a base for drug dealing.

It is the first time this legislation has been used in Kirklees and requires the immediate closure of the flat for three months and stops anyone entering it.

Paul Buckley, Kirklees Neighbourhood

Housing's director of neighbourhoods, said: "This is a great result for the local community and shows that we're determined to work together and use every tool at our disposal to tackle antisocial behaviour.

"Neighbours have seen an immediate improvement, as the flat has seen quite serious antisocial behaviour for some time." If Mr Berry returns to the flat after the three-month closure and causes more trouble, KNH could apply to permanently evict him as it will be able to show a judge that he cannot keep his tenancy conditions.

Clr Andrew Marchingtonsaid: "We will only do this as a last resort."