Court closes 'nuisance' property

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Residents have welcomed the use of new powers to deal with anti-social behaviour which closed down a house of bedsits in their street.

Police and council officials spent six months gathering evidence in Rhyl.

Neighbours complained of "music at all hours, loud noise, fighting, a lot of abuse and shouting" at 17 River Street.

Magistrates ordered the closure until February next year. North Wales Police said they would "not hesitate" to use the powers again.

Magistrates at Prestatyn granted a Closure of Premises Order under powers introduced in December 2008.

It is understood there were eight bedsits at the property.

We're pleased that something finally has been done but I think it could have been done a lot earlier Mari Bell, local resident

The measure gives local authorities the power to close properties following persistent nuisance behaviour.

A notice on the front door says the property is "closed to all persons until 10th February 2010".

The notice also states: "A person commits an offence if they remain on or enter these premises and they can be arrested. If found guilty of an offence they are liable to imprisonment and/or a fine. These premises have been sealed and no further entry will be allowed.

"The occupier will therefore be required to find alternative accommodation. Any person entering the premises without the permission of the police or magistrates court commits an offence and can be arrested."

The street is home to several bed and breakfast establishments

The street houses several bed and breakfast establishments and was described by one resident as "the last main letting street in Rhyl".

Mari Bell, who runs the Manor guesthouse opposite number 17, said she believed her business may have been affected.

She said: "Guests have complained about the racket many-a-time."

She said the street's residents had been complaining "for a long time," adding "we're pleased that something finally has been done but I think it could have been done a lot earlier.

"This isn't the only problem house in the street but we're beginning to get this sorted."

The neighbouring property, number 15 has been put up for sale. Mrs Bell said it was because the owner had "had enough".

North Wales Police Pc Alyn Smith said: "Complaints regarding disorder, persistent nuisance, drunken behaviour, loud music and rowdy behaviour were being reported to officers on a regular basis.

"North Wales Police now have an additional tool with which we can deal with poorly-run houses of multi-occupation.

'Detrimental effect'

"We will not hesitate to use this power again if a poorly-run premises is having a detrimental effect on other residents in the area."

Councillor David Thomas, Denbighshire's cabinet lead member with responsibility for housing enforcement, said: "Landlords should actively deal with anti-social tenants, and work with other agencies to try and resolve poor behaviour."

He said he hoped "the quality of life for residents on the street greatly improves".

In May, a south Wales council, Rhondda Cynon Taf, used the new powers to close down a house in Aberdare and evict a tenant.