Nightmare neighbour banned from Washington house after closure order issued by court over 'excessive noise and drug use' complaints

An injunction was first granted to Sunderland City Council against Stacey Tench of Kenilworth Court, Washington in November 2020 following complaints of ‘excessive noise, disorder, drug use and damage to property’.

Council bosses say Ms Tench ‘failed to rectify her behaviour’ after residents reported ‘a large numbers of visitors being invited to the property, loud music playing at all hours and objects being thrown at neighbours who complained about the disturbances.’

Following the repeated breaches of the injunction order, the City Council has now obtained a closure order from South Tyneside Magistrates Court which excludes Ms Tench and any other person(s) from the privately rented property for three months.

Any person breaching the order will be liable on summary conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 51 weeks imprisonment, a fine, or both.

The closure order is an interim measure to ensure the anti-social behaviour desists immediately and gives respite to residents whose quality of life is being impacted. A file for breach of the anti-social behaviour injunction has also been submitted to the courts.

Councillor Claire Rowntree, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "I hope this case sends out a strong message that we are not prepared to tolerate anti-social behaviour in our communities."People shouldn't have to put up with this type of anti-social and irresponsible behaviour in their neighbourhood and it's only right that we should stand up for the decent, law abiding citizens of our city by taking tough action against those who make their neighbours lives a misery."I'd also like to pay tribute to those who took the time and the trouble to report this anti-social behaviour and worked with the City Council and Northumbria Police to help us take this action, and to thank the vast majority of our residents who act responsibly by being considerate of their neighbours."

Anyone who wants to log a complaint about noise and or antisocial behaviour can visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/report-it or call (0191) 520 5550.

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