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On receiving a tip-off that a derelict Sudbury property had been occupied by squatters, Babergh District Council environmental protection officers acted quickly last week to remove them and secure the house from further intruders.
The property had been the scene for a noisy party attended by an estimated 40 youngsters on Saturday 9th August, with another party planned for the following Thursday.
Having inspected the property the day before, Babergh issued a Prohibition Order on 13th August which required the squatters to leave immediately as the Melford Road house – owned by Crellson Grange Ltd. of Brentford - provided no fire protection to the occupants.
Babergh’s officers considered that if a fire had broken out this fact, together with the exposed electrical wiring and rotted floorboards, made the property a potential death trap.
Once the Order had been issued, the squatters promptly left the building. However, the contractors charged with boarding up the building discovered that gas was still being supplied to the property – although the gas pipes had been removed creating the possibility of an explosion should a naked light have been lit in the building.
According to Tom Ost, Babergh’s Senior Housing Standards Officer “our main concern was for the physical safety of the occupiers and any visitors to the house. Any parties held at the property would cause noise nuisance to neighbours and substantially increased the risk of injury, potentially fatal, to revellers.”
“This incident should send a clear message to owners of properties of the inherent risks of leaving them empty for long periods of time, especially if members of the public can easily gain access. There are many options available to make use of such properties to provide affordable homes for the community and prevent them becoming problems for neighbours.”
Any owners with a property that has been empty for some time should contact Tom Ost for advice on 01473 825871.
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