Magistrates at Warrington have authorised a three‑month closure order on a property in Latchford after police presented evidence of prolonged nuisance and criminal behaviour linked to the address.
Court hears accounts of drugs and violence at Reynolds Street property
The order, granted to the Warrington Central Beat Team at Warrington Magistrates’ Court, makes the property on Reynolds Street inaccessible for the duration. The occupant has been asked to vacate and find alternative accommodation. Anyone entering the address while the order is in force could face a significant fine or a custodial sentence.
Officers compiled multiple witness statements from nearby residents setting out incidents that included alleged drug dealing involving class A and B substances, frequent foot traffic linked to the supply of drugs, and a series of physical altercations that spilled from inside the property on to the street. Neighbours said the behaviour caused fear and disrupted their daily lives.
“This property was a constant source of disruption for residents in the local area and, due to the sheer number of incidents tied to the address in question, officer resources were frequently diverted in its direction to deal with the poor behaviour,”
Police Constable Andrew Schofield of Warrington Central Beat Management said he was satisfied the closure would provide the community with some respite from the disruption.
Local impact and policing
According to the police submission to the court, the frequency and nature of incidents at the property repeatedly required a policing response, drawing on local resources. The order is intended to reduce harm to neighbours and limit opportunities for further criminality from the premises.
Residents are being reminded that concerns about anti‑social behaviour or suspicious activity should continue to be reported to Cheshire Police via the force website or by calling 101.
- Location: Reynolds Street, Latchford
- Authority: Warrington Magistrates’ Court
- Duration of order: Three months
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Responsible police team | Warrington Central Beat Team |
| Reason cited | Reports of drug dealing, violent and threatening behaviour, and anti‑social conduct |
The closure order is a civil measure intended to tackle persistent nuisance and protect the local community. It does not replace criminal investigations; where appropriate, offences will continue to be pursued through the courts.
Anyone with information about criminal activity or worrying behaviour in their area should continue to contact Cheshire Police so incidents can be logged and followed up. Community confidence in reporting helps to build the evidence needed for interventions such as closure orders.
This intervention follows a rising use of closure powers nationally and regionally by police forces seeking to curb the impact of problem premises on neighbourhoods. Locally, it will be watched closely by residents in Latchford and neighbouring areas as they assess whether the order reduces anti‑social activity in the coming weeks.
