Elderly people living in an 'over-55s' complex have had their lives ruined by a nightmare neighbour who is visited by a 'constant stream' of young women.
Tenants say they have been subjected to 'undesirables' turning up at the property after landlords lowered the accommodation age limit. The problems began when Staffs Housing changed the rules at the 28-flat complex - in Bentilee, Stoke-on-Trent - so that tenants aged between 40 and 55 could live there too.
Police have now secured an order to board up the problem flat for the next three months, StokeonTrentLive reports. It was granted at North Staffordshire Justice Centre this week.
Nicola Bell, representing Staffordshire Police, told the court: "The application is based on serious nuisance caused to elderly residents of the 28-flat accommodation provided by Staffs Housing. It was for over-55s. The age limit was reduced. The tenant qualified for that and was nominated by Stoke-on-Trent City Council for Staffs Housing. Advice has been given to Staffs Housing about consulting with the police in the future. In recent weeks there has been a constant stream of visitors."
District Judge Kevin Grego granted the closure order which runs until November 23.
The judge said: "The tenant is visited by young women at all hours of the day and night. People who look as if they are rattling when they arrive. I try to put myself in the position of some of the nearby residents. It must be a pretty horrid time for them. He has exhausted all goodwill there.
"The apprehensive neighbours who live nearby do not want the finger pointed at them as being the ones who have caused it to fall in on him. They do not need to worry. He has done it himself."
Stoke-on-Trent City Council for a statement regarding its involvement in the case. Staffs Housing says it is taking further legal action following the case.
Housing manager Laura Dalton said: "Working alongside Staffordshire Police, we have supported their action to obtain a closure order for a property at Stirling Close, a housing scheme for residents over 40. This action was taken following ongoing anti-social behaviour and a lack of cooperation from the resident. We will be taking further legal action and we will continue to support residents at the scheme."
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