Police outside 17 Grove Terrace, Wincheap after magistrates issued a three-month closure order on the property. Picture: Chris Davey.

by Adam Williams

awilliams@thekmgroup.co.uk

A Wincheap house has been closed down following a string of disturbances and complaints.

Canterbury Magistrates heard squatters even tried to remove copper piping from the cellar of the terraced property, disrupting water supplies to neighbouring homes.

A three-month closure order on 17 Grove Terrace was granted last Thursday after evidence from police and city council staff illustrated the property’s dilapidated state.

A catalogue of anti-social behaviour was brought to light through statements from residents and told to the court by city council solicitor Paul Tapsell.

He said: “Occupants at number 17 are somewhat fluid in nature and can change from day to day.

“The house was owned by Valerie Mockett, but in 2008 she moved to a Bekesbourne care home. She died on new year’s eve last year and the city council were called to make arrangements for her funeral after relatives showed no intention of doing so themselves. Her niece, Cheryl Bennett has been served with the closure notice which was issued on Wednesday to her address in Woodchurch near Ashford, but she is not present in court today.”

City council technical officer Stuart Steed received persistent complaints from neighbours.

He said: “On January 29, a complaint was received by our control centre about loud music and noise coming from the property into the early hours. Disturbances had been heard five out of six nights that week.

“Loud shouting and banging noises had also been reported at other times. Letters were sent to the occupiers and names were also obtained by police on a visit to the property.”

The application for a closure order was also supported by police deputy area commander Supt Stuart Kehily.

PC James Gall added: “A number of incidents between January 24 and March 1 have seen police involved. House-to-house enquiries have been conducted and eight different residents in Grove Terrace have submitted their statements to support this order.”

Magistrate David Ellerby granted the order and thanked all those involved for obtaining evidence and bringing the matter to court.