Published: Friday, 17th May 2024
Borough council officers have succeeded in obtaining a closure order on a property where a man had caused a persistent nuisance to his neighbours for two-and-a-half years.
Today (Thursday, May 16) they told King’s Lynn Magistrates’ Court how the actions of Dale Waring, 28, of Colby Court, Florence Road, King’s Lynn, had caused ‘a significant and profound impact’ on the lives of his neighbours.
Speaking after the hearing, Cllr Jo Rust, the council’s Cabinet Member for People and Communities, said: “We will always seek to work with individuals and in this case the council has left no stone unturned in giving Dale Waring support and opportunities to change his behaviour.
“Taking action like this is a last resort but Mr Waring’s failure to engage with the support offered left us with no other option.
“We are pleased that the court supported our position and that this action will improve the lives of his neighbours, who have suffered with his behaviour for too long.
“I would also like to commend the council officers involved in this case, who have worked hard and diligently to bring about this result.”
Officers from King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council explained to the court how they had investigated numerous noise complaints, including parties lasting 3 days where Waring played music so loud that it caused ornaments to shake in other properties.
There had been many incidents of disorder in and around his property, such as fights, threats and intimidation, fly-tipping and drug use, they said. Multiple people had access to the property so incidents occurred both when he was present and when he was not.
They also told the court about the toll that the loss of sleep, and disorder associated with Waring and his associates, had taken on his neighbours and their children over a prolonged period.
Senior Community Safety and Neighbourhood Nuisance Officer, Jo Reed, said: “Despite our best efforts to work with him, Dale Waring has not been prepared to see that his behaviour is unreasonable, or that it has an impact on his neighbours.
“We have given a great deal of careful consideration to this case. We had to balance his rights with the needs of the victims in this situation and they had suffered enough. Today’s result showed that the court agreed and I am glad that his neighbours can enjoy some peace and quiet this evening.”
Representing himself, Waring told the court that he did not dispute the facts and admitted he played loud music for the benefit of his mental health. He denied that it was him causing the nuisance on every occasion.
After hearing all the evidence, the magistrates said that the council had produced comprehensive and compelling evidence for a closure order, and said they believed the behaviour would continue if they did not give it. They granted the closure order for 3 months.