Couple left neighbours 'living in fear'

A couple whose screaming, fighting and late-night parties left neighbours "living in fear" have been moved and their house closed for three months.

Suspected drug use and noxious smells caused by rubbish and dog faeces at the home in Eleventh Street, Horden, near Peterlee, were also behind the application made by Durham County Council.

The local authority said the case was the first time it had secured a closure order for a residential property.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court heard that as well as loud music and a dog barking through the day and night, Durham Police received reports of cars being damaged and associates of the couple kicking down doors and smashing windows.

The closure order denies access to the premises and anyone who enters could face a fine and jail.

It described some neighbours as "living in fear" and being "too frightened to confront the couple in case of reprisals", while others moved house to escape the "frequent disturbances".

Flies and rats were reported due to piles of rubbish and faeces in the back yard and inside the property.

The council said the couple had turned down all offers of support from social workers and other agencies, and were not engaging with their landlord, who had started eviction proceedings.

The pair also failed to co-operate with requests made by anti-social behaviour intervention officers, which resulted in them receiving multiple community protection warnings and enforcement notices.

Police and social workers supported the authority's decision to issue a closure notice and apply for a three-month closure order.

It is now discussing alternative housing options for the couple, it said.

Joanne Waller, head of community protection at the council, said: "Not only were the tenants making life a misery for their neighbours, but the living conditions inside the house were so bad it was in their own interests to leave.

"Nobody should have to live in fear, and we hope this closure order reassures residents that we take anti-social behaviour very seriously and will use all the available tools and powers to make our communities safer."

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