Closure order agreed against premises that caused misery to neighbours
Wirral Council has successfully obtained a three-month Closure Order on a business premises in Birkenhead following longstanding reports of serious anti-social behaviour that brought significant distress to local residents.
The Closure Order was granted by Merseyside Magistrates’ Court on 8 October 2026 in respect of a premises on Dial Road, Birkenhead.
The order, obtained under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, prohibits access to the property until 4pm on 7 January 2027.
The court was satisfied that the use of the premises had resulted in serious nuisance to members of the public and that disorderly, offensive, or criminal behaviour had occurred, or was likely to occur, if the order was not granted.
The application followed extensive investigations carried out by Wirral Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team, together with evidence provided by colleagues within Licensing, Environmental Enforcement, other Council services and by local residents.
The evidence presented to the court detailed persistent nuisance associated with the address, including frequent visitors attending at all hours, noise disturbance, burning of materials causing noxious fumes and behaviour causing alarm and distress to other residents and the local community.
There was evidence of cars being dumped in the neighbouring roads, causing problems for residents who couldn't gain access to their properties. There had also been numerous dog attacks by dogs kept on site.
The court heard that local residents had experienced significant disruption to their daily lives and wellbeing over a prolonged period. Complaints included persistent sleep deprivation, concerns for personal safety, intimidation by visitors to the property, and an inability to peacefully enjoy their homes.
Despite interventions from a number of Council services and partner agencies, the issues continued unabated, leaving many residents fearful and distressed.
Matters escalated significantly on Friday 25 September 2026, when a large-scale fire broke out at the premises, requiring the attendance of 14 fire engines and resulting in numerous road closures across the surrounding area.
I welcome the action taken today led by the Anti-Social Behaviour Team but supported by a number of other council colleagues. For far too long, this premises has not acted like a good neighbour at all – in fact, through a variety of actions and behaviours, it has made many residents’ lives a misery.
A Closure Order is one of the strongest powers available to local authorities and is it used where premises are associated with serious nuisance, disorder, or criminality. I am happy the court has supported the application for the order against this property.
Breaching a Closure Order is a criminal offence and can result in imprisonment, a fine, or both.
