Court orders existing closure notice to remain in force pending further hearing

A court has ordered that closure restrictions remain in place on two shops in Blaby town centre for a further two weeks following the 72-hour Closure Notice served by Blaby District Council on Friday.

The decision, made at Leicester Magistrates' Court today, relates to two premises called Candy Corner and Candy Corner 1.

Working with partner agencies, the Council served the initial 72-hour Closure Notice on both premises following concerns raised in recent days. The action was intended to protect local communities and reduce the risk of any disruption over the weekend.

The Council today applied to the Magistrates' Court for a Closure Order under Part 4, Chapter 3 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. In support of the application, evidence was submitted from a number of agencies, including Leicestershire Police and Leicestershire Trading Standards.

The court adjourned the application for 14 days to allow those with an interest in the premises an opportunity to respond to the proceedings. Magistrates also ordered that the existing Closure Notice should remain in force until the adjourned hearing on 20 July, meaning the premises must remain closed during this period.

Councillor Ben Taylor, Leader of Blaby District Council, said:"The Council had no prior awareness of the individual at the centre of these concerns. As soon as we became aware, we acted swiftly alongside Leicestershire Police and our partner agencies to protect the local community.

"Within hours, an emergency Closure Notice had been secured and the Council subsequently applied to the court for a three-month Closure Order.

"We are disappointed that the court did not determine our application today and instead chose to adjourn the proceedings for 14 days. Given the ongoing concerns surrounding the premises, we believe a longer closure period is justified to help protect residents and support the wider community.  
  
“The court's decision means the premises will remain closed until the matter returns to court on 20 July. We hope this provides reassurance to local residents and businesses and gives other agencies additional time to continue their investigations and consider any further action that may be necessary.

"Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of residents, businesses and visitors, and we will continue to work closely with our partners to protect our communities."