Residents in a Kingsteignton road can look forward to some long-awaited peace over Christmas and New Year after the council and police took legal action to close a flat rented by a persistently anti-social tenant.

The privately rented one-bedroom flat in Fouracre Way, Kingsteignton, had become a frequent source of anti-social behaviour. Since March 2010 police have responded to more than 40 disturbances, with issues including domestic violence, verbal abuse, loud music, animal cruelty, criminal damage and the possession of offensive weapons. 

A Closure Order granted at Torquay Magistrates Court yesterday afternoon saw the home closed completely for 10 weeks and the locks changed.  Police attended the property last night as it was boarded up.

Tenant Sameena Lumber, 20, together with her partner Christopher Tribble, 32, will not be able to enter the flat for the duration of the order. The case was originally due to be heard earlier in the month, at which time the defendant was granted an adjournment until 23 December.

Cllr Marie Jenkins said:

“We’re fortunate that Teignbridge is a low crime area, but when issues like anti-social behaviour do arise we work alongside our police colleagues to take firm action.

“My hope is that this action will give the subjects cause to reconsider their behaviour and its effects on others, and maybe even seek a new start for themselves.”

Superintendent Jim Meakin of Devon and Cornwall Police added:

“The actions of these individuals have had a real impact on the lives of local people and I’m very pleased that we have responded to resolve the problem.

“We will continue to keep a close eye on the situation throughout the closure period and beyond, but are hopeful that this will solve the problems.”

Flickr.com image by Graham Robertson.