Arun council ‘pleased’ at Bognor Regis home appeal result

Council workers boarded up the front door of 31, Ash Grove, Bognor Regis on June 5 SUS-150806-112156001

A house at 31, Ash Grove, in Bognor Regis, has been boarded up since a closure order was granted by magistrates on June 5. This barred anyone from entering the property , with a threat of prosecution hanging over anyone who did.

Recorder judge John Hardy partially lifted the order yesterday to allow one of the occupants back into the house due to a change in circumstances. However he emphasised the original order was still in place and was completely valid.

“We are pleased with the court’s decision as it confirms our view that this property must remain subject to a closure order to prevent future occurrences of severe and sustained anti-social behaviour which have a negative impact on the local community,” said Arun District Council’s cabinet member for community services.

A police officer stands guard at 31, Ash Grove, Bognor Regis, on June 5. Picture by Eddie Mitchell

Paul Wotherspoon added: “This reinforces our zero-tolerance partnership approach to unacceptable behaviour in our local communities and our ongoing commitment to listen and take action to help those affected by the small minority of people who display persistent and harmful anti-social behaviour.

“Local residents have assisted in contesting the appeal, having provided a letter to the council to take along to the hearing today that voices their strong objection to the tenant being allowed to return due to high concern that previous problems will start again.”

The closure order was the first to be placed on a house in Sussex under new legislation brought in by the government with the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Inspector Marc Clothier, of the neighbourhood policing team, said: ““The effort and work that went into the order has stood up to scrutiny again, this time in crown court, and whilst the closure order remains in place, the judge has amended the order, allowing the main occupant to return to the property, however, this permission comes with stringent conditions.

“Sussex Police and the council are confident that these conditions will continue the reduction of anti-social behaviour and criminal behaviour that local residents have experienced from this property since the closure order was granted in June, 2015, and if there are any breaches, these will be dealt with robustly.”

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Video shows moment Arun District Council boards up house

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Arun District Council says anti-social behaviour won’t be tolerated

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