POLICE have been granted a closure order at four multi-occupancy houses on North Road in Holsworthy following allegations of arson, assault and anti-social behaviour — but one resident says the police shouldn’t ‘tar everyone with the same brush’.

House numbers 19 to 22, known locally as the ‘green flats’, have been closed following repeated complaints of alleged anti-social behaviour, arson with intent to endanger life and an alleged attempted murder at the properties — this is the first closure of its kind in the area.

The closure order, which is the biggest closure order ever applied for by Devon and Cornwall Police, was sanctioned on Thursday, June 21, by Exeter Magistrates’ Court.

However, a former resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said he didn’t feel the right decision had been made. He said: “I thought the justice system was supposed to help the innocent and prosecute the criminals, not tar everyone with the same brush”

The former resident is currently living out of one room with his daughter as a result of the eviction. He said: “Personally I don’t think they made the right decision, there may have been issues there like many other places but if they got dealt with at the time in a timely manner then none of this may have happened!”

He said it was a small minority that were causing trouble and he felt it unfair that the residents of 29 flats have been left ‘living out of suitcases’.

However he said he was thankful that he had the support of his landlord: “I’m just glad I had a landlord like I did and I couldn’t praise the landlord/manager enough as all I have seen him do is help taking time out of his day like many other times to help people.

“Even on the day of the eviction he was there helping people move out and going beyond a landlord to take people to Bideford, Barnstaple and even a couple to Plymouth, offering to take people shopping and even offered myself money as he knows it’s a hard time to be in.”

Torridge Sector Inspector Shaun Kenneally said: “We welcome the closure order after experiencing daily issues with the premises which has caused occupants and local residents’ misery and grief which negatively impacts our community.

“We’ve been involved in previous multi-agency attempts to encourage the occupants of the premises to desist from such behaviour, however, despite extensive local work being carried out, the issues persisted.

“We have shared the local concerns about this address for some time, and have used new legislation to good effect after receiving numerous complaints and evidence from residents about criminal activity and unrelenting anti-social behaviour emanating from the premises and those persons connected to the premises.

“We have gathered statements from a number of occupants who felt unsafe at the properties. Our priority being not only to prevent crime and disorder but also to safeguard the community and ensure residents feel safe.

“We are continuing to support occupants at the property and the majority will be rehoused by the local authority.

“The neighbourhood and business community have continued to suffer as a consequence and this type of anti-social behaviour can no longer be tolerated.

“The closure order highlights the determination of Devon and Cornwall Police to take positive action against such anti-social behaviour.

“We would like to thank the occupants who have shown great courage in coming forward to give evidence, and who were willing to work with us on this matter. We are pleased to be able to work together with people in the local community to respond to their concerns in this way.

“We pride ourselves on how we work with our local community, and this is one example of the positive impact this can have when we work together on these issues.

“Antisocial behaviour significantly impacts people’s quality of life and this can only be tackled by the police and partner agencies working with the residents themselves.”

If anyone is suffering similar problems within their neighbourhood the police urge them not to suffer in silence and to come forward to talk to them on 101 or report concerns anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.