Protecting our communities from persistent antisocial behaviour | News

We’ve taken action alongside Bolton Council and Greater Manchester Police after ongoing and serious antisocial behaviour attwo properties at Blackshaw House and Thornbank North in Rumworth.

Both homes had become linked to repeated disturbances, criminal activity, and drug‑related behaviour. Neighbours told us they felt unsafe, intimidated, and unable to enjoy their homes.

After reports from the community and close partnership work, the courts granted Closure Orders for both properties. These orders mean no one can enter the homes unless authorised, and we’ve now taken full legal possession of both.

Closure Orders are only used when other approaches haven’t worked. They help break the cycle of disruption and protect the wellbeing of the wider community. They’re granted under the Anti‑Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and play an important role in restoring safety and stability in our neighbourhoods.

Everyone deserves to feel safe where they live. While we always try to support tenants to maintain their homes, support must go hand in hand with responsibility. We won’t tolerate criminal behaviour or antisocial activity that harms our neighbourhoods.

Thank you to everyone who reported concerns and worked with us while this action was taken.

John Molloy, Head of Neighbourhood Safety Services, said:

“I want to reassure residents that we’ve worked tirelessly alongside Greater Manchester Police to address the recent reports of antisocial behaviour and criminal activity linked to these properties.

“Residents had reported feeling intimidated, unsafe and disturbed by repeated incidents, and our joint work has resulted in securing these orders to protect the local community.

“Our message is clear, if you want to keep your home, do not use it for criminal activity or behaviour that harms the wellbeing of your neighbours. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community, and we’ll continue to take strong, decisive action wherever necessary to protect our residents.”

Neighbourhood Sergeant Oliver Cooper of Greater Manchester Police’s Bolton district said:

“A co-ordinated team effort involving a number of dedicated officers has meant we have managed to get two closure orders granted with key local partners.

“We have worked exceptionally hard with the local community, housing officers and community safety partners in relation to this. This work is also part of our ongoing neighbourhood activity under Operation Coronation which tackles drug dealing, reports of cuckooing of vulnerable residents and antisocial behaviour in the Thornbank Estate.

“The partnership approach along with our communities’ input through reporting and understanding hopefully highlights we are all committed to continue tackling this kind of disruptive behaviour.

“If you have any concerns regarding antisocial behaviour or associated criminality within your community, please report it to ourselves via 101 or the reporting mechanisms on our website.”

Councillor Rabiya Jiva, Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said:

“Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure in their own homes – free from disruption caused by others.

"Following reports about these properties to me from the community, and the determination of officers and our borough-wide crackdown on antisocial behaviour, we’ve been able to return two homes for further use. While our teams will always offer help and support as a first step, we will not hesitate to take further action, including closure orders, when necessary."

Reporting concerns

• Report antisocial behaviour to us on 01204 328000
• Or online: www.boltonathome.org.uk/tackling-asb
• Report to GMP: 101
• Report anonymously to Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
• Always call 999 in an emergency.

We’ll continue working to ensure all our tenants feel safe, supported, and heard.