Court order bans non-residents from entering block of flats in Northampton after ongoing anti-social behaviour

The Partial Closure Order places limits on access to St Stephen’s House in Spring Boroughs, banning anyone who is not a resident from entering the building or its shared areas, including entrances, stairwells, car park entrances and bin stores.

The order was granted by Northampton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday April 30, and will remain in place for three months.

According to West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), residents have described issues including drug use, people urinating and defecating in communal areas, people passed out in walkways or stairs, and loud and aggressive behaviour. The council says the order aims to protect residents from this ongoing anti‑social behaviour that has been making their lives a misery.

Councillor Charlie Hastie, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at WNC, said: “This order sends a clear message that persistent anti‑social behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Residents have the right to feel safe in their own homes, and this action provides greater powers to prevent those who are causing problems from accessing the building.”

Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Anna Wyburn added: “This closure order is the outcome of sustained, coordinated work between Northamptonshire Police, WNC and Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH) to address repeated anti-social behaviour at St Stephen’s House.

“Officers have worked closely with partners to gather evidence, respond to incidents and support residents, and this could not have been achieved without that collaboration.

“The order gives us clear powers to take enforcement action, disrupt harmful behaviour and provide much needed reassurance to those living in the building.”

According to the council, this is the first time a Partial Closure Order has been put in place on an entire block of flats in Northamptonshire.

Ryan Surridge, Head of Neighbourhoods at NPH, said: “We are delighted that the court has granted this order to provide vital reassurance and relief.

“Everyone deserves to live in a home where daily life is comfortable, safe and free from the negative impact of anti-social behaviour. This outcome demonstrates the real difference that strong partnership working can deliver for our communities.”

Anyone who breaches the order commits a criminal offence and faces arrest.