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First Closure Order in Maidstone frees community of ASB
Last month Golding Homes worked directly with Kent Police to secure a three-month extension to a closure order on a flat in Maidstone, permanently resolving an issue of serious anti-social behaviour (ASB) which had been making neighbours lives a misery.
Golding Homes Community Safety Lead Stephen Timms worked closely with the local Police Officer and the ASB Officer from Kent Police West division to obtain the first closure order in Maidstone back in March, following reports of violence, drugs, noise and other anti-social behaviour.
Stephen said “Our tenant had allowed visitors to use the property in Park Wood and they were causing misery to neighbours. Despite our many warnings and visits, the situation was not improving. We supported neighbours to give statements to Kent Police about their experience and the Police were proactive in pursuing and securing a closure order.”
The original order was extended in June, in a smooth process of Golding Homes, Kent Police and Maidstone Magistrates working together for the good of this local community.
Stephen added: “We’ve now obtained a possession order and taken back this property so we can refurbish it and let it out to someone else in housing need. Eviction is always our last resort but in cases where everything has been tried and has not worked, we do not shy away from working with our partners to take enforcement action and ensure our residents can live peacefully in their homes.
“Joint working between Golding Homes, our residents and Kent Police makes a positive difference to our communities. W e’ll continue to work together using a range of tools and powers, to prevent and address anti-social behaviour in our communities."
Inspector Steve Kent from the Maidstone Community Safety Unit said: ‘Residents have endured violent disturbances, drug abuse and noise at all times of the day by those using and visiting this property. Despite numerous visits and warnings to the occupants, their conduct did not change so we took steps to remove them from the property. This extension allows us to ensure they do not return and cause further concerns for those living nearby.
“We understand that ASB is often caused by a minority but can affect a majority and we remain dedicated to responding robustly and ensuring the problem is tackled head on.”
The closure order used legislation under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and Golding Homes has now taken back possession.
Golding Homes are working to create safer neighbourhoods. Investing in training for over 100 colleagues to continuously improve the response to reports of anti-social behaviour .