Listen Live
Sunrise Gold

North Manchester house shut down following alleged criminal behaviour

Wednesday, 8 July 2020 at 11:17

By Sunrise Radio X @SunriseRadioUK

A property in Crumpsall linked to anti-social behaviour, possible drug supply and possible exploitation of women has been closed down, with a three-month ban placed on anyone returning to it by Manchester Magistrates Court on the application of Manchester City Council.

For years a large private dwelling in Seymour Road has been a blight on the community. Residents frequently complained that its owner, Abdul Raza Saddiqui, 52, of Parkhills Road, Bury, was failing to maintain the premises as well as prevent its use for criminal activity.

Greater Manchester Police have responded to at least 86 phone calls since 2014 relating to issues at the property, serving as a significant drain on resources for both the police and Manchester City Council.

 

Evidence of drug use and possible links to exploitation and drug supply had been found during police and Council visits.

 

In April of this year following a report of a fight at the premises, Council and police officers attended to find a woman, believed to have been at risk, who was then provided with emergency accommodation and support. During this intervention a man from the Czech Republic was arrested after it was discovered he was wanted on a European arrest warrant linked to crimes in his home country.

 

A string of waste offences were also connected to the property, with five notices served since 2016 connected to the unacceptable accumulation of rubbish at the property. 

 

In response to the owner’s failure to manage the property effectively and responsibly, the Council made its application and a Premises Closure Order was  granted  by Manchester Magistrates Court on July 2, following a two week adjournment. Saddiqui represented himself at the hearing.

 

The premises are now closed for three months, with it being an offence punishable by imprisonment for a period of up to 6 months, an unlimited fine, or both, if anyone other than the owner or employee or agent acting on behalf of Manchester City Council, or the emergency services, enters. If the longstanding issues are still not addressed the Council has the authority to extend the order by a further three months.

 

At the hearing Manchester City Council was also awarded £5,230.07 in costs.

 

A long-term solution is still being sought for this property to ensure that the people of Crumpsall can have permanent respite from the anti-social and criminal behaviour linked to the address.

 

Councillor Nigel Murphy, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This property has been nothing short of a horror show for the people living in this neighbourhood. As a Council we always want to try and engage with people before we go to the courts but in this case our attempts have been futile. The owner has failed to address the litany of problems, so we were forced to take this action.

 

“Officers from across the Council have diligently collected evidence that have resulted in this order and I am incredibly grateful for their efforts. This has been a long and complex case and I am glad to have secured a victory for our residents.

 

“The Council wants to ensure that everyone in Manchester can enjoy a healthy and happy life, free of anti-social behaviour.”

Share

More from Local and National News

  • West London Homes Cracking as Residents Blame HS2 Tunnelling

    Residents near Queen's Park station in West London say their homes are developing serious cracks and suffering subsidence following HS2 tunnelling work. Emergency scaffolding has been installed at one property, with some residents relocated. HS2 says ground movement from tunnelling has been small and that unusually dry weather may be contributing to the damage.

  • Man Seriously Injured in Uxbridge Bus Attack

    A 51-year-old man has suffered potentially life-changing injuries following a serious assault on a bus in Uxbridge, West London. Police are investigating the incident, which happened on Belmont Road on Monday afternoon, and are appealing for witnesses.

  • Two Charged Over Historical Child Abuse in Bradford

    A man and woman, both aged 68, have been charged following an investigation into historical child sexual abuse in Bradford. The allegations relate to offences involving a 14-year-old girl in the Thorpe Edge area during the late 1970s.

  • Man Convicted of Rape in Leeds Hyde Park Area

    A 36-year-old man has been found guilty of raping a woman in the Hyde Park area of Leeds. Uvesh Vahora was convicted following a trial at Leeds Crown Court and has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on 11 November.

  • Over Half of London Women Feel Unsafe Exercising After Dark

    New research from the This Girl Can campaign reveals that 54 per cent of women in London feel unsafe exercising outdoors alone after dark. Concerns about harassment and intimidation are forcing many women to change their fitness routines, with a London running club planning additional group sessions to help women exercise safely during winter.

  • Woman Fighting for Life After Bradford Stabbing

    A 40-year-old woman has been left with life-threatening injuries following a stabbing in Buttershaw, Bradford. A 42-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon as police investigate two linked scenes.

  • Lamborghini Crash Driver Arrested at Hospital After Missing Sentencing

    A Bradford woman convicted of causing her friend's death in a 140mph Lamborghini crash on the M62 has been arrested at hospital after failing to attend her sentencing hearing. Humaira Batool, 26, has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced today (3 November).

  • Six Men with London Links Feature on NCA Most Wanted List

    Six men with connections to London feature on the National Crime Agency's most wanted list, including suspects linked to major drug trafficking investigations, alleged holiday fraud and money laundering. The NCA is appealing for information to help locate those wanted in connection with the investigations.

  • Milton Keynes Roundabout to Close for Six Months for Major Redesign

    Motorists in Milton Keynes face approximately six months of road closures and diversions as Monkston Roundabout undergoes a major transformation into a traffic-light-controlled 'hamburger' junction. Main construction is scheduled to begin on 11 January 2027, with the council aiming to improve traffic flow and accommodate future growth.

  • Bradford's Alhambra Theatre Set for Major External Makeover

    Bradford's iconic Alhambra Theatre is set to undergo major external painting and repair works starting in mid-November. The £-unspecified improvement programme will take approximately 12 to 16 weeks, with scaffolding installed around the building. Bradford Council has confirmed that all performances will continue as planned, with no disruption to audiences.

  • £450m Cocaine Network Hidden in Cheese Dismantled by West Yorkshire Police

    West Yorkshire Police have dismantled a major drugs network responsible for distributing 4.5 tonnes of cocaine worth more than £450 million. The operation involved drugs concealed in shipments of cheese, with distribution hubs in Huddersfield, Cleckheaton, Halifax and Blackburn. Prison sentences totalling more than 220 years have been handed down.

  • Nearly 200 Businesses Back Proposed West London Orbital Railway

    Nearly 200 businesses and organisations, including Sky, IKEA and Octopus Energy, have urged the Chancellor to support the proposed West London Orbital railway. The 18.5-kilometre route would connect Hendon and Hounslow, potentially creating thousands of jobs, supporting new homes and improving transport links across West London.

On Air Now Bhajans 6:00am - 7:00am

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

  • The Golden Era The Golden Era

    The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm

  • Bhangra Nights Bhangra Nights

    Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm

  • Remix Saturdays Remix Saturdays

    Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm

  • Legal Show Legal Show

    Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.