Police closure order at Bath block of flats is extended for three months

Police have been granted a three-month extension of the partial closure order that was put in place in July to tackle escalating anti-social behaviour at a block of flats in the city.

Berkeley House in Snow Hill

The order closes the common parts of Berkeley House at Snow Hill – the stairwells, lifts, corridors, communal rooms, laundry rooms and bin rooms – to everyone except those with a valid title deed or valid rental agreement, those visiting with explicit permission, anyone authorised by housing association Curo, and the emergency services.

Community protection warnings and notices had previously been given to prohibit offenders from attending but the application for the initial order followed an increase in serious crime and anti-social behaviour at the 10-storey block.

At the court hearing in July, evidence was given of drug dealing and use, knives being found, a fire being lit, people being assaulted, faeces, urine and blood in communal areas, and stairwells blocked by rough sleepers.

The three-month order had been due to expire yesterday, Thursday 1st October.

On Tuesday, 29th September, the Bath & North East Somerset Neighbourhood Policing team announced: “Today the courts granted a three-month extension to the partial closure order currently in place at Berkeley House, Snow Hill, Bath.

“This is a significant step forward and reflects the hard work and partnership between Avon and Somerset Police, Curo and partner agencies in tackling anti-social behaviour and criminality within the building.

“The order remains an important measure to protect residents and help improve safety within Berkeley House. We would like to thank local residents who have supported the process by reporting concerns and providing information.

“We will continue working with partners to address issues affecting the community and take action where necessary against those causing nuisance or facilitating criminality. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this positive outcome possible.”

This week, a Curo spokesperson said: “Residents shouldn’t have to live in fear of the kind of anti-social and criminal behaviour we’ve seen in Snow Hill.

“Curo supports the extension of the closure order and will continue working in close coordination with the police here, using all powers available to protect the safety and wellbeing of this community.”

Last month the Echo reported that a woman who twice contravened the order had been fined £80.