Hillingdon Council closes flats to non-residents to curb ASB

The partial-closure orders have come into effect at Sutcliffe House and Harding House after previous efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB), which has been negatively impacting residents living in the blocks, proved unsuccessful.

Under the new orders only those who live in the flats, or people who have their permission or the council's, will be allowed to enter the buildings. Anyone defying the orders will be liable for arrest.

The ASB which had regularly been taking place, mainly in the stairwells and communal areas during the past few years, led to some residents scared to leave their homes or feel intimidated when coming and going, especially in the evenings.

Issues they've faced, have included drug use in the stairwells, theft of residents' possessions, urinating and defecating in communal areas, loud aggressive behaviour at all hours, syphoning electricity in communal areas to charge mobile phones, littering (including drug paraphernalia), drinking and rough sleeping,

Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Community and Environment, said: "This is the first time we've had to take this approach and we are confident this will now bring some respite for residents who have been plagued by unacceptable behaviour close to their homes for too long.

"Despite partnering with the Met Police our previous efforts have not worked so we've closed these buildings off now to anyone who doesn't have explicit permission to be there.

"It's all part of our drive to take tackle ASB head-on and create strong communities where residents can feel safe and secure."

The partial orders are in place for three months (ending on 10 March 2025) and can be extended for a further three if needed.

Emergency workers (including NHS staff and doctors etc) or those who need to enter as part of their jobs such as utilities company staff are exempt from the order.

To report any anti-social behaviour concerns, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/safety.