Two properties in Liverpool which were closed due to anti-social behaviour linked to organised crime have been transformed.
Over the last two years, the council’s Private Sector Housing team have worked in partnership with Merseyside Police to tackle organised crime within rental properties across Liverpool.
Under the Council’s Landlord Licensing scheme, the owners of privately rented properties have a duty to ensure that their tenants behave responsibly.
The Council works to support and advise landlords who have issues with their tenants, and when all other options have been exhausted, this can include the eviction of problematic tenants.
Houses on Goldie Street, in Anfield, and Geraint Street, in Toxteth, were closed in August 2022 and April 2024 respectively under the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Crime and Policing Act 2014. The action was taken due to drug related issues associated with the properties were having a detrimental impact on the local community.
Using powers granted under the Council’s Landlord Licensing scheme, the anti-social behaviour team were able to aid the landlords in evicting the highly problematic tenants.
The properties were refurbished to a high standard, and they were subsequently let out to new tenants to prevent a repeat of the problems that had previously occurred.
Over the last month, the Private Sector Housing team have revisited both properties to carry out compliance inspections, finding both to be a safe standard with the current tenants are delighted to be making their home there.
One resident in Geraint Street told council officers that anti-social behaviour used to severely impact her wellbeing but now describes life on the street as “heavenly”.
On Goldie Street, a local resident noted that what was once a troubled street is now “family-orientated” adding: “It’s nice to have a family living there and the children are back playing out in the street.”
Cllr Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and community safety, said: “All of our residents have a right to live in thriving communities where they feel safe and secure, but sadly we know that some don’t.
“The work that has been under taken on these streets in Anfield and Toxteth has made a positive difference to the lives of local people.
“It is a clear demonstration of the positive benefits of our Landlord Licensing scheme in bringing partners together to support landlords to evict difficult tenants.”
Anfield councillor, Billy Marrat, who referred the issue to the Private Sector Housing Team, said: “The house has been turned around and so has the street, with residents stating they are free to go about their ways and not in fear of being intimidated by drug and crack addicts.
“The residents can actually invite their friends and relatives around now, just as any other family would.
“I am really grateful to all the agencies involved and it shows what can be done with a bit of intelligence and the right actions taken.”
Chief Inspector Sarah Rotherham from Merseyside Police, said: “The successful closures send a clear message that we will not tolerate properties to become hubs for crime and antisocial behaviour.
“By working closely with our local authority partners through the landlord licensing scheme, we are ensuring that problem premises are shut down, and our communities remain safe places to live.”
- To contact the Private Sector Housing team about issues related to privately rented properties, email privatesector.housing@liverpool.gov.uk or contact them online.
