Longford house is first in Cheshire to be shut because of anti-social behaviour (From Warrington Guardian)

Longford house is first in Cheshire to be shut because of anti-social behaviour

10:00am Thursday 25th October 2012 in News By Matthew Hobbs

A LONGFORD house has become the first in Cheshire to be shut down because of anti-social behaviour.

The property at 11 Dean Crescent was boarded up by police on Friday. It will remain closed for three months.

Warrington Magistrates’ Court heard on Thursday, how tenants Ryan and Aaron Woodward subjected residents to a ‘living hell’.

Elizabeth Heavey, prosecuting, said that Neighbours are threatened, bricks are thrown at houses, car windows are smashed and stolen motorbikes are handled there.

The brothers, who have lived there for around a year, are also accused of assaults and violence.

Many residents were too terrified to speak to police but one witness gave an anonymous statement.

In it they said: “Before they moved in people were always in the street, doors open, “These males are engaging in violence and encouraging others to do so.

“If anyone approaches them about their behaviour they become very threatening.

“Lots of vehicles attend the address from transit vans to expensive cars.

“I genuinely fear for my safety day and night.”

The same witness reported seeing an incident of racial abuse.

“It made me sick to my stomach.

“It is a living hell in what used to be such a lovely crescent.

“We feel like prisoners in our own home except it is not a home anymore.”

It is not the first time the two brothers have subjected neighbours to a reign of terror.

At their previous address in Birstall Court, Runcorn, an ASBO was imposed but breached eight times.

The court heard that since their move to Warrington known criminals attend the address.

Drug dealer Craig Spence, jailed for 32 months in September for selling heroin, has been seen there.

Edward Geaney, who has previous convictions for drugs, theft, driving offences and anti-social behaviour, also goes there, while Liam Lingham, a teenager with an ASBO from Runcorn, is known to frequent the house.

When giving evidence, Ryan said his brother was the troublemaker.

He added that as cousin Jordan Grey lives at 5 Dean Crescent, Aaron would continue to visit the estate even if his home was closed.

But magistrates passed the closure notice. They are usually only enforced if drug activity has taken place.