A CLOSURE order has been slammed on a property in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour and drug-related crime.

A restriction is now in place on the address in Leigh following council enforcement action.

A three-month closure order for a property on Harrow Crescent was granted in court last week.

This action means the property is closed and only council officers and emergency services are permitted to enter the property within the initial three month period. This aims to stop any criminality taking place at the property.

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Evidence at the hearings at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court was provided by council teams alongside Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Julie Middlehurst, Wigan Council's assistant director for infrastructure and regulatory services said: “Enforcement action like this is a last resort but the behaviour associated with this property was unacceptable and was having a hugely negative impact on the neighbourhood.

“We always seek to support our tenants, but we have a duty to our wider communities to take action when we see prolonged and serious issues of anti-social behaviour.

“I hope that this sends a message that this behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will take the appropriate action where necessary”.

The closure orders are a part of Wigan Borough’s Community Safety Partnership work, which sees Wigan Council team up with Greater Manchester Police and other partners to tackle community concerns.

Evidence presented at court detailed anti-social behaviour incidents, criminality, and visitors at unsocial hours.

Despite interventions to resolve these issues, the situation escalated, and it was decided that enforcement action was required to protect the tenants and prevent further incidents.

The property will remain under the restrictions for three months with extension applications available to the council if required.

Ms Middlehurst added: “I would like to commend the work of the Community Resilience Team and reassure residents in the area that we will do everything within our power, working alongside our partners at GMP, to promote safe and resilient communities.”