Northampton Magistrates’ Court has granted a Partial Closure Order for St Stephen’s House in Spring Boroughs to combat persistent anti-social behaviour. The legal measure follows a joint application by the West Northamptonshire Council Community Safety Team, Northamptonshire Partnership Homes, and Northamptonshire Police.
Restrictions at St Stephen’s House
The order prohibits anyone who is not a legal resident from entering the building or its designated communal zones. These restrictions cover all entrances, stairwells, the car park, and bin stores. This enforcement action aims to halt a cycle of activity that has severely impacted the quality of life for those living in the block.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | St Stephen’s House, Spring Boroughs, Northampton |
| Effective Date | Thursday 30 April |
| Duration | Three months |
| Scope | Entire block of flats and communal areas |
| Legal Status | First entire-block Partial Closure Order in Northamptonshire |
Impact on the Spring Boroughs community
Residents provided evidence of systemic issues within the premises, including open drug use and aggressive confrontations. Reports detailed individuals passed out in walkways and stairwells, alongside recurring instances of people urinating and defecating in shared spaces.
This landmark flat closure order represents the first time such a comprehensive restriction has been applied to an entire residential block in the county. While other authorities have previously sought partial access restrictions to manage public infrastructure, this Northampton case specifically targets criminal activity within social housing as the council prepares to finalize updated housing rules.
Legal enforcement and resident safety
Northamptonshire Police will monitor the site to ensure compliance. Under the terms of the order, any individual found on the premises without a valid residency agreement commits a criminal offence. Officers have the authority to arrest anyone breaching these terms immediately.
The three-month window allows the council and housing partners to implement long-term security improvements while providing residents with immediate relief from the ongoing disruption. The order remains active until late July, with the potential for extension if required by the court.
Source: West Northamptonshire Council
