RESTRICTIONS have been enforced on three properties following reports of anti-social behaviour and drug-related crime.

On Friday, April 26, Wigan Council announced that three-month closures have been enforced for 78 Broadway and 22 Belmont Road, both in Hindley.

The orders were granted earlier this month after evidence was provided at  Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court by council and police officers.

A separate three-month closure order has also been enforced for a property on Brierfield Avenue in Atherton this month, following reports that criminal activity and anti-social behaviour were significantly impacting local residents' quality of life.

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Leigh Journal: A closure order was also enforced on a Belmont Road propertyA closure order was also enforced on a Belmont Road property (Image: Google Maps)
Evidence presented at court detailed prolonged anti-social behaviour incidents at the Hindley properties, as well as 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.

Including the Brierfield Avenue property, all three will remain under the restrictions for three months, meaning that only the named tenants, council officers and the emergency services are permitted to enter the property.

Greater Manchester Police will be enforcing the order and anyone found breaching it will be liable to a fine, imprisonment or both.

Leigh Journal: A third closure order was enforced on Brierfield AvenueA third closure order was enforced on Brierfield Avenue (Image: Google Maps)
Julie Middlehurst, assistant director for 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.

“I would like to commend the work of the [council's] Community Resilience Team and reassure residents in the neighbouring area that we will do everything within our power, working alongside our partners at Greater Manchester Police, to promote safe and resilient communities.”