Grand Union has teamed up with Bedfordshire Police and Central Bedfordshire Council to help rid a community of serious crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB).
As a result of the positive partnership working, which included the community itself who helped to report the crimes taking place, Luton Magistrate Court have granted closure orders at multiple addresses in the Bilberry Road area of Clifton, Central Bedfordshire, on Friday 18 December.
These, tied in with another recent closure order in the nearby town of Shefford, should have a serious impact to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.
Phil Hardy, Executive Director of Operations at Grand Union, said: “We’ve been working hard at Bilberry Road recently, investing in a number of estate improvements to make people feel safer and more at home, and also trying to bring some positive community spirit and pride back to the area.”
“These outcomes are more fantastic examples of the positive impact we’re having on reducing anti-social behaviour in our communities and should bring some well-deserved peace and quiet for those living in the area.
“By working closely with Bedfordshire Police, Central Bedfordshire Council and most importantly the local community, we’re showing that together we will not tolerate criminal activity and ASB, and we will act to bring an end to these corrosive behaviours.”
As part of its wider commitment to builder stronger communities, Grand Union has significantly invested in the Bilberry Road area, including new fencing, additional cctv, and a community hub for multi-agency use. Further works continue to be planned.
Inspector Louise Bates, from Bedfordshire’s Central Community Policing team, which secured the order, said: “I’m really pleased with the outcome from court today and I want to say a huge thank you to our community who reported the crimes taking place.
“This result couldn’t have been achieved without the public coming forward with information and I want people to know that their concerns will be heard and we will act on them to stop anti-social and criminal behaviour.
“We have been working closely with our partners for months to combat the crime taking place in the area as we know it has had a serious impact on our local residents. I hope these closure orders can provide a sense of security and reassurance for the community.
“If you are experiencing any issues in your area please do report them to us through our online reporting tool as it really does make a difference.”
Councillor Ian Dalgarno, Central Bedfordshire Council Executive Member for Community Services said: “Nuisance neighbours can have a detrimental effect on their community’s quality of life and wellbeing and this is unacceptable.
“This is a positive outcome, which has been secured by our officers working in partnership with the police and housing association to tackle serious crimes and the anti-social behaviour.
“Residents can report anti-social behaviour to us online.”
These closure orders mean that the perpetrators cannot enter the affected properties for three months. It is important to note that this is not the same as an eviction.
