Manchester City Council confirms it has shut down a house in Crumpsall that was said to be “a nightmare for locals” after alleged criminal activity.
The North Manchester property, on Seymour Road in Crumpsall was linked to possible violence, drug supply and exploitation of women, but has now been shut down and a three-month ban will be placed on anyone returning to it by Manchester Magistrates Court.
For years the dwelling had been “a blight on the community” and local residents frequently complained that its owner was, not only failing to maintain the premises, but was also failing to prevent its use for criminal activity.
The house was declared “a significant drain on resources for both the police and Manchester City Council”.
Greater Manchester Police are said to have responded to at least 86 phone calls since 2014 relating to issues at the property, with evidence of drug use and possible links to exploitation and drug supply having been found during police and Council visits.
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A string of waste offences were also connected to the property since 2016.
Following an application made by Manchester City Council, a Premises Closure Order was granted by Manchester Magistrates Court on 2nd July, following a two-week adjournment.
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We have successfully shut down a house in Crumpsall that was a nightmare for locals – with regular anti-social behaviour & criminal activity.
— Manchester City Council #StaySafe❤ (@ManCityCouncil) July 8, 2020
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 [and] 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.”
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“The Council wants to ensure that everyone in Manchester can enjoy a healthy and happy life, free of anti-social behaviour.”
The premises are now closed for three months, with it being an offence punishable by imprisonment for a period of up to six months, an unlimited fine, or both, if anyone other than the owner, employee, or agent acting on behalf of Manchester City Council, or the emergency services, enters.
The Council has the authority to extend the order by a further three months.
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.
For more information, visit the Manchester City Council website here.
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
9th July 2020 
