House where reports of machete fights and violence left school children scared shut down

A house has been hit with a closure order following reports of fighting and violence that left school children scared.

Magistrates issued a closure order for a house on Bevanlee Road, South Bank, evicting the tenants and shutting it down for three months following reports of machete fights, drug dealing, and possession of stolen goods. The court heard that while some incidents took place in the wider area, closing this particular property would "have a huge impact on the overall dynamics of the road."

Redcar and Cleveland Council, backed by Cleveland Police and the property's landlords, Beyond Housing, brought the closure application before Teesside Magistrates' Court.

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A detailed account from the Council's Anti-Social Behaviour Team presented to the magistrates outlined that issues at the address first came to light in January 2021. At that time, a couple residing there, aged 50 and 47, were apprehended on suspicion of drug-related offences amidst reports of violent conduct.

Since the initial arrest, over 15 intelligence reports concerning disturbances both at and near the property have been logged by the council. These include instances of stolen fuel, false police reports, and altercations involving machetes, with 'zombie' knives reportedly being held by the couple.

In a separate incident, the council was alerted to a child, believed to be around six years old, riding an off-road motorcycle unaccompanied.

A court report expressed concern for the unfortunate victims of escalating violence in some neighbourhoods, stating: "Sadly, there are several elderly, children and law-abiding citizens who are victim to witnessing living in amongst people who use serious violence and weapons in their day to day lives."

In response, Cllr Adam Brook, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, asserted: "We will do what it takes to protect decent, law-abiding people in their own homes and own streets and that includes going to court if necessary. I'd like to thank everyone involved in taking this action to protect people in this community."

Police Inspector Zoe Kelsey from Greater Eston Neighbourhood Policing Team emphasised on her commitment to maintain peace in the locality by saying: "Law abiding residents in South Bank are sick and tired of witnessing serious violence, anti-social behaviour and drug dealing activity on their streets. No one should live in fear of violence or be too frightened to leave their home.

"Redcar and Cleveland Council, Beyond Housing and Cleveland Police will continue to work together to target the households who feel that they can disregard the law and do what they want. Headteachers of schools in South Bank have reported that the violence that has occurred in this street has caused fear and harm to school children within Bevanlee Road and the surrounding area.

"I will not have any 'No-go' areas within my district and we will continue to act on information and take any action necessary to make South Bank a safe place to live in."

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