The streets of Radford and the heart of Nottingham’s city centre are seeing a significant shift in enforcement this week. For months, residents near Manston Mews have lived with the shadow of persistent disorder, while the grand, empty shell of the former Debenhams building on Long Row has become a magnet for dangerous trespassing. In a coordinated move, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire Police have stepped in, using the full weight of the law to shutter these sites and restore a sense of security to the public.
The action comes as a direct response to escalating reports of criminal activity and public nuisance. By securing Closure Orders through the courts, authorities are not just locking doors; they are sending a clear message that the safety of the community takes precedence over the continued neglect or misuse of property.
Addressing the impact on Radford residents
For those living near 31 Manston Mews in Radford, the closure order represents a long-awaited reprieve. The property had become synonymous with a range of distressing activities that disrupted the peace of the neighbourhood. Local reports detailed frequent drug use and prostitution, alongside a constant stream of disorder that left many residents feeling unsafe in their own homes.
The impact of such activity on a residential street cannot be overstated. Beyond the immediate noise and nuisance, the presence of persistent criminal behaviour creates an atmosphere of fear. Nottingham City Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team, working alongside Housing Services and the police, spent considerable time gathering the evidence necessary to prove that the situation had reached a critical point. The resulting closure hearing this week marks a turning point for the Radford community, effectively removing the source of the distress and allowing the neighbourhood to begin the process of recovery.
Public safety risks at the former Debenhams building
While the issues in Radford were rooted in residential nuisance, the problems surrounding the former Debenhams building on Long Row presented a different kind of danger. Since the department store closed its doors, the landmark site has stood derelict, but it has far from been empty. Authorities have been consistently called to the location following reports of people—often children and young adults—unlawfully entering the premises.
The risks associated with these break-ins are severe. Trespassers have been spotted climbing onto the roof of the multi-storey building, putting themselves at risk of fatal falls and endangering pedestrians on the busy streets below. Chief Inspector Kylie Davies noted that the site has also been subject to criminal damage. The new closure order provides the police with enhanced powers to deal with anyone attempting to breach the building’s perimeter, ensuring that this city-centre landmark does not become a site of tragedy or further urban decay.
The practical picture
The implementation of these orders involves several key legal and community steps:
- Legal Basis: The orders are granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
- Enforcement: Police now have the authority to arrest anyone entering the specified premises who is not authorised to be there.
- Partnership: The action is a joint effort between Nottingham City Council’s ASB Team, Nottinghamshire Police, and City Council Housing Services.
- Duration: Closure orders typically last for three months, with the possibility of extension if the risk of disorder persists.
Strengthening community protection through legal action
The use of Closure Orders is a significant step, one that local leaders insist is not taken lightly. Councillor Matt Shannon, Executive Member for Community Protection, emphasized that people deserve to live free from the fear caused by persistent anti-social behaviour. He reiterated the council’s commitment to using every available power to protect Nottingham’s residents.
This sentiment is echoed by the police, who see the orders as a vital tool in their partnership strategy. By combining the council’s administrative powers with the police’s enforcement capabilities, the city is better equipped to handle complex issues that a single agency might struggle to resolve alone. For the people of Nottingham, these actions serve as a reminder that their concerns are being heard and that the authorities are prepared to act decisively to maintain public order and safety.
Source: Nottingham City Council
Source check Official Report
This report is based on official statements from Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire Police regarding legal closure orders.
- Verified court hearing dates
- Confirmed specific property addresses
- Attributed quotes to council and police officials
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- MyNottinghamNews
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- Nottingham
- Updated
- 2026-05-20 11:07
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