Closure order served on former hotel in Birkenhead

Wirral Anti-Social Behaviour Team, working in partnership with Merseyside Police, has obtained a  Full Closure Order today (9th July 2021) on a Birkenhead property that had become a hot-spot for nuisance and criminality.

The order on the former Central Hotel on Clifton Crescent was sought following complaints from local people about ongoing anti-social behaviour, with regular reports of drug dealing and criminal damage taking place from the property.

There are also serious concerns for the safety of people getting into the building due to the structure being considerably weakened over the years as a result of previous fires, criminal damage and water damage. It closed in 2013 and has been unoccupied since, but it is increasingly in a state of disrepair; the owner of the building is based in Saudi Arabia and is supportive of the closure order.

The closure order hearing took place at Liverpool Magistrates Court on 9 July 2021 and it will remain in place until 8 October 2021. There is an option to extend the closure order for a further three months after this date if it is anticipated that the problems may return once the original order expires.

Mark Camborne, Wirral Council’s Assistant Director – Neighbourhood Safety and Transport, said, “Cases such as this show how important it is for partners to support those residents who are victims of anti-social behaviour and use the full powers available to us to act against people who make life a misery for their neighbours. It is also vital that people report problems to us so we can take action.”

Anti-social behaviour can be reported using an online form here – https://my.wirral.gov.uk/service/Anti_social_behaviour_report  – or by email to neighbour.nuisance@wirral.gov.uk

You can also call 0151 606 2020 between 8.45am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. An answerphone service is provided out of hours and your call will be returned the following working day. If you are a tenant of a registered housing provider, please contact them directly.

Main image credit: www.birkenhead2020.com