These are the three homes shut down after 'cuckooing' ordeal as neighbours say streets are being restored
These are the three Blackpool properties which have been shut down following reports of criminal exploitation and anti-social behaviour, as neighbours say their streets are finally returning to normal.
Closure orders have been enforced at homes on Munster Avenue in Bispham, Tynedale Road on Grange Park and Pleasant Street in Claremont after they were targeted by criminals in so-called ‘cuckooing’ operations.
The orders, granted at Preston Magistrates’ Court in March, mean only authorised individuals including tenants, emergency services and support staff can enter the properties.
Residents living nearby say the difference has been immediate.
One neighbour described the situation before the action was taken as “a living nightmare”.
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They said: “Visitors to the property on our street were aggressive and intimidating. It was unbearable.
“Since the order was brought in, it’s been like a breath of fresh air. The property is now being restored and all residents look forward to our street being restored to how it was. It’s a fabulous community.”
Another resident spoke of the wider toll the situation had taken on the neighbourhood.
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He said: “The issues at the property were having a detrimental effect on all of us. I’m being treated for cancer, so it affected me both emotionally and mentally, and older neighbours were fearful of coming out of their properties due to constant anti-social behaviour, including property damage and violence.
“Now the tenant has left, the property returned to its original condition, and we have got back a more serene street.”
Blackpool Council said the homes had been ‘cuckooed’, a practice where criminals take over the homes of vulnerable people to carry out illegal activity such as drug dealing.
The three tenants linked to the addresses, all identified as vulnerable adults, are now being supported by Blackpool Coastal Housing and partner agencies.
Cllr Paula Burdess, cabinet member for community safety, street scene and neighbourhoods, said: “Cuckooing is a despicable crime, targeting and exploiting vulnerable people and causing misery for neighbours.
“Enforcement action like this is one of the many ways we are working to improve housing and neighbourhoods across Blackpool.”
The council added that the action forms part of wider efforts to create “safe, resilient and attractive neighbourhoods” across the town.