London borough uses new laws to shut down seven properties in three months

A London council says it has used new powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 that came into force last October to close down seven properties in just three months.

Lambeth Council said its enforcement officers, working with the Metropolitan Police, had issued seven Premises Closure Notices in all. Three have already led to full orders through the courts.

The properties covered included a brothel, an illegal rave venue and a drugs den. The brothel in St Leonard’s has been closed for the maximum three months.

Notices were served on the other four premises after squatters broke into an empty premise, a stabbing took place at a club, a pre-planned illegal rave was held in a squatted premises, and stolen goods were found at an off license.

Lambeth also said it had secured a Community Behaviour Order within a week of the 2014 Act coming into force. This was against a prolific beggar and street drinker.

Cllr Jane Edbrooke, Lambeth cabinet member for Neighbourhoods, said: “It’s important for our officers to be able to act in this way to protect our residents.

“People want to live in a safe and secure environment and when they feel threatened or intimidated, we will act to put a stop to any anti-social behaviour.”

Chief Inspector Roy Smith, from Local Policing, said: “This demonstrates the strength of partnership working and will reassure local communities that Lambeth Police and Lambeth Council are leading the country in our adoption of the new ASB legislation and will continue to use all tools at our disposal to make Lambeth safe for those who live, work and visit the borough.”