Published: Thursday 30 April 2020
Drug users who took over a vulnerable council tenant’s flat have been prohibited from visiting the property thanks to anti-social behaviour action taken by Kensington and Chelsea Council.
On Wednesday 29 April, Westminster Magistrates’ Court granted a Closure Order application brought by the Council to stop anyone accessing the property except for the tenant, Council-appointed officers and care and support workers and emergency services personnel.
The Council took action to apply for the Order quickly after receiving reports from the police that a group of young males had been using the flat to take and sell drugs and drink alcohol.
Kensington and Chelsea has been tackling anti-social behaviour through its Everybody Needs Good Neighbours campaign and has reassured residents that it will continue to do all it can to deal with nuisance neighbours.
Cllr Kim Taylor-Smith, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Housing, Grenfell and Property, said:
“Now more than ever, people need to feel safe and secure in their own homes and I am grateful to the vast majority of our residents who continue to be respectful of their neighbours and show real community spirit during this unprecedented time.
“For those who are not, this case shows that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and will do everything in our power to tackle it for the benefit of our communities.”
The Everybody Needs Good Neighbours campaign asks people to consider the impact of their actions on others and provides clear guidance on the help available to anyone affected by anti-social behaviour, including support from a neighbourhood officer and mediation.
The Council’s support for its most vulnerable residents during the Coronavirus pandemic has included setting up a Covid-19 Hub, creating a rent payment fund for those struggling with rent and bills and offering additional Council Tax relief.