Closure order granted for Langthorne Walk, Bolton house

The closure order for 56 Langthorne Walk, just off Deane Road in Deane, comes after joint action by Greater Manchester Police, Bolton Council and Be One Homes, formerly Bolton at Home.

Officers say people living in the area nearby had repeatedly raised concerns about disorder and criminal activity.

Be One Homes’ head of neighbourhood safety services, John Molloy, said: “This action demonstrates how seriously we take reports of anti-social behaviour.

“We know the situation at Langthorne Walk has been affecting residents for some time, and by working closely with Greater Manchester Police and Bolton Council, we’ve been able to take firm action to bring it to a stop.

A previous closure order was granted at Blackshaw House, also in Deane (Image: GMP)

“We are committed to creating communities where people feel safe and respected. Where necessary, we will always use the powers available to us to deal with behaviour that falls below that standard.”

People living around Langthorne Walk have long raised concerns about anti-social behaviour, crime and drug use.

Back in August 2020, residents said an area of land behind the flats, including a car park, had become a haven for drug dealers.

They said that needles and laughing gas cannisters had often been found in the area.

The order was granted by Wigan and Leigh Magistrates Court on April 16 this year and will be in force up to July 16.

Over this period, entry into the house will be banned for anyone apart from authorised people like police officers or council officials.

Be One Homes, which rebranded from Bolton at Home earlier this year and acts as the borough’s biggest housing provider, says this is part of wider-ranging efforts.

In March this year, a similar closure order was granted for flats at Blackshaw House and Thornbank North, also in Deane.

This was part of a police and council operation aimed at tackling drug dealing and cuckooing, a practice where criminals take over the homes of vulnerable people.

Sergeant Oliver Cooper, of Bolton South’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This closure order is yet another example of the great partnership work we can achieve when we work together.

“It also shows that we will not tolerate behaviour which affects our communities, so please keep reporting your issues.”

Be One Homes has encouraged anyone concerned about anti-social behaviour to call them on 01204 328000 or report it online.

Members of the public can also call Greater Manchester Police on 101, 999 in an emergency or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.