Drug-Linked ASB Destroying Community Confidence – How Partnership Working Used A Trauma Aware Approach To Tackle Persistent Anti-Social Behaviour
In the Anfield and Toxteth areas of Liverpool, two privately rented homes had become magnets for Class A drug use and supply. Residents described constant traffic in and out, with users arriving by car, bike and on foot at all hours. With the activity came street-level violence, property damage, public urination and extreme noise.
The emotional and psychological impact on the community was stark. Parents were frightened to let their children play outside. Some residents said they were reluctant to even leave their homes, fearing confrontations with aggressive visitors or witnessing open drug use. There was a growing sense of hopelessness, and many felt that nothing would change.
Recognising the need for urgent and sustained action, Liverpool City Council’s Private Sector Housing ASB Team led a multi-agency response in partnership with Merseyside Police.
Officers carried out door-to-door engagement and launched ASB surveys to better understand the harm being caused. Residents were supported to give evidence, including hearsay statements, and the team worked carefully to manage concerns around reprisals. This relational, trauma-aware approach helped ensure that local people felt heard and protected.
Surveys and statements painted a clear picture. The properties were the centre of serious disorder. The community wanted action, and the evidence gathered gave agencies the confidence to proceed.
Working With Landlords to Regain Control
Both properties were privately rented and subject to Selective Licensing, but compliance issues and tenant behaviour meant the landlords were struggling to manage them effectively. Rather than take a purely punitive approach, the Council worked constructively with both landlords by providing advice, support and legal guidance to help them regain control.
Both landlords submitted supporting statements as part of the closure order applications. In one case, a partial closure order was agreed in court. This allowed refurbishment work to begin midway through the closure period, showing how powers can be used flexibly to support longer-term improvement.
Securing Closure Orders - and Changing Lives In The Process
Using powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, Liverpool City Council’s Private Sector Housing ASB Team and Merseyside Police secured closure orders on both properties. Within weeks, the atmosphere on both streets had changed dramatically.
One resident on Geraint Street said:
“It’s like heaven now. I feel like I can breathe again.”
On Goldie Street, another told officers:
“It’s nice to have a family living there now. The kids are back out playing and it feels like a proper community again.”
Sustaining Change and Supporting Recovery
Following the closures, both homes were refurbished and responsibly re-let. The landlords are now fully compliant with licensing conditions, and follow-up inspections have confirmed ongoing improvements.
The case also created an opportunity to strengthen coordination across council teams, including licensing, legal, housing enforcement and neighbourhood services. It highlighted the value of early engagement with landlords and the importance of continued support before, during and after enforcement.
Key Learnings
This case shows what is possible when teams take a joined-up, trauma-informed approach to persistent ASB. Closure powers were used confidently and appropriately, alongside practical support for residents and landlords with these key learnings:
- Hearsay evidence can make the difference when residents are too afraid to give direct statements. Building trust through surveys and doorstep engagement creates safer ways for voices to be heard.
- Closure powers are most effective when combined with support. Involving landlords early, offering guidance, and helping them regain control can lead to longer-term change, not just a short-term fix.
- Person-centred practice helps build confidence. Acknowledging residents’ fear and stress, and working at their pace, strengthens engagement and trust.
- Multi-agency coordination is essential. Licensing, enforcement, legal and neighbourhood teams all played a role in securing results and sustaining improvements.
- ASB tools work best when used flexibly. The partial closure order showed how legal powers can be adapted to allow improvement without delay.
The Liverpool team have shared a clear example of the impact of partnership working and community engagement in responding to serious harm and restoring local confidence. Thank you to David Whalley, QPM, ASB & Welfare Manager at Liverpool City Council, for submitting this case and for sharing a powerful example of effective partnership working between the Private Sector Housing ASB Team and Merseyside Police.
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