Drug use and violence at an address in north Liverpool left people afraid to leave their homes.
A house in Manningham Road in Anfield that had been plagued by drug use and anti-social behaviour has been transformed after action by the city council and Merseyside Police.
An inspection of the address was carried out by the council in 2022, following complaints. Residents described constant visitors, open drug use, loud disturbances and violence, leaving many locals reluctant to leave their homes.
Liverpool Council worked with Merseyside Police to secure its closure under the anti-social behaviour, crime and policing act following evidence that it had become a magnet for Class A drug use and supply.
The closure made an immediate difference and improved life for the surrounding community overnight.
The council advised the landlord on regaining control of the property, and it was subsequently refurbished. It has now been re-let to responsible tenants, and an inspection conducted in June this year found it to be compliant with the licence conditions.
Liverpool’s Landlord Licensing scheme operates in the areas of the city with the worst private rented housing conditions, giving the council additional powers to drive up standards and keep vulnerable tenants safe.
This includes tackling fire and electrical safety hazards, excess cold and damp and preventing and tackling anti-social behaviour.
More than 20 civil penalty notices have been served for licence breaches during the first three years of the landlord licensing scheme. A further 14 criminal prosecutions have been brought for non-compliance.