A house in Cobham will be boarded up and its residents evicted after persistent anti-social behaviour.

Surrey Police, Elmbridge Housing Trust, Paragon Housing and Elmbridge Council obtained a closure order for 46 Queens Court Ride at a hearing at North Surrey Magistrates’ Court on Friday, November 29.

Magistrates were presented with evidence of the “significant detrimental impact” and “intimidating behaviour” of the occupants and were told that the property was notorious for anti-social behaviour including noise from parties, barking dogs, fights and drug taking.

People who live in the area said the occupants created a “culture of fear”, with residents too afraid to report incidents to the police because of fear of reprisal.

PC Ian Harding said: “The residents of Queens Court Ride and the surrounding area have been subjected to significant and persistent anti-social behaviour at the hands of the occupants of this property.

“It has been a neighbourhood policing priority since December 2012 and it is through the regular patrols and engagement with residents by officers and partner agencies that we have managed to turn around this culture of fear and build up evidence to support this application.

“I hope that the positive action taken demonstrates that we will act on information from members of the public.”

Rachael Smart, Paragon housing manager, said: "Tackling antisocial behaviour is a top priority for Paragon and the closure order obtained in Cobham is an excellent example of effective partnership working. It is important to us that residents feel safe in our local communities."

The occupants were removed from the home and the doors and windows will be boarded up and secured.

Anyone who enters the property before the closure order expires on February 28, 2014, will be liable to a fine or face prosecution for breaching the order.

Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour in their area should contact Surrey Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

 

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