Harlow Council has pledged to take firm action against antisocial behaviour in council homes, following a successful closure order on a property in Barn Mead that had been the subject of persistent complaints.

The move is part of the council’s Building Harlow’s Future plan and its mission to “invest in our housing” with the council redesigning its approach to housing management.

The council secured a closure order on the property in Barn Mead at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on 27 June, under Section 80 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The order prohibits anyone, including the tenant, from entering or remaining on the premises, except for council staff. It will remain in effect until 27 September 2025.

The action follows numerous reports of noise, assault, criminal damage, vandalism, and threats of arson linked to the property. A previous closure order had expired in May.

Councillor David Carter, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Housing, said:

“We are cracking down on nuisance council homes and tenants from hell who persistently blight the lives of their neighbours. This is part of redesigning our approach to housing management and we want people to feel safe, day and night, in every corner of our town – including in their own homes.”

“In our most recent case in Barn Mead, we took the necessary action to put an end to the disruption being caused to others. I want to thank our housing and legal teams for their excellent work in securing this order.”

The council was also awarded full legal costs in the case.

Residents are encouraged to report antisocial behaviour and noise complaints via the council’s website:

Antisocial behaviour: https://www.harlow.gov.uk/safety-and-crime/antisocial-behaviour-abuse-and-hate/report-antisocial-behaviour

Noise nuisance: https://www.harlow.gov.uk/environment-and-animals/noise-problems