A woman who repeatedly hosted wild parties that spiralled out of control, in defiance of the coronavirus lockdown has been served with a closure notice by North Tyneside Council.
Despite several warnings, the tenant continued to have parties at her property on Meadow Close, Longbenton, with loud music at all hours and fighting that spilled out into the street.
On Friday, she was told in no uncertain terms that the party was over.
The council, backed by Northumbria Police officers from Killingworth and Wallsend, served a closure notice on the property, which bans the tenant from having visitors for three months except for council staff or emergency services.
The council was able to obtain the order via video link to court, which remains closed due to the Covid-19 epidemic.
A breach of the order could see the tenant sentenced to up to one year in prison.
Phil Scott, Head of Environment, Housing and Leisure, said: “Even under normal circumstances, this kind of behaviour would be completely unacceptable. In the middle of a public health crisis, with public services being severely stretched, her indifference to the situation beggars belief.
“The new rules which are now enforceable by law, prohibit gatherings of more than two people not from the same household. We have warned the tenant repeatedly that there would be consequences and I would hope that the action we have now taken, backed by our fantastic police colleagues, means she will finally get the message.
"We will continue to work with Northumbria Police to investigate any reports of social gatherings and parties in properties around North Tyneside. These households can expect a call from us to cease or be subject to a closure order."
Chief Superintendent Janice Hutton, of Northumbria Police, said: “I would like to thank the overwhelming majority of people who are adhering to the restrictions which are in place to ultimately help keep us all safe.
“From the outset, we have been clear that we will engage with members of the public to explain the restrictions and encourage people to follow them.
“We resolve issues every single day by talking to people and reasoning with them and we will continue with this approach.
“However, if it becomes the case that people are putting others at risk, where appropriate we will make use of whatever legislation available to us to stop this from happening.”
As well as new rules that prohibit social gatherings, the Government also says residents should only be leaving their homes for work, essential shopping and solitary exercise no more than once a day.
Residents can report suspected breaches online or by email community.protection@northtyneside.gov.uk.
The authority’s CCTV van is also patrolling the borough keeping an eye out for gatherings.
The public can also report gatherings by dialling 643 3333 and follow voice instructions.
