More than 20 vulnerable residents of crime spot property 'could be made homeless' in Chorley on Friday

Plans to seek a legal order to close a notorious property which houses people with mental health issues and addictions have been met with concern.
Hollinshead StreetHollinshead Street
Hollinshead Street

Lancashire Police is fighting for a closure order on Chorcliffe Mews, Hollinshead Street, Chorley, which houses 23 people, many with long-term issues and disabilities.

Sgt Mike Moys, of Chorley Police, said the council is supporting residents in ‘relocation’.

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But solicitors for landlord Tariq Ahmed say the majority of residents claim they have not been offered alternative homes.

Carrie Gilgun, of Forbes Solicitors, said: “ We have genuine concerns that a number of individuals will find themselves unintentionally homeless come this Friday, should the application be successful.

"These individuals will gravitate to sleeping in shop doorways or on the streets.

"They have drug addictions and misuse alcohol. This may well result in an increased finding of syringes and alcohol bottles being located around the town centre and other public areas.”

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Sgt Moys said: “This has been planned in advance in regards to police resources to deal with any issues arising as a result of our operations.”

Councillor Jane Fitzsimons, who is responsible for housing solutions in Chorley, said: “We are aware of the Police’s application for a closure order for Chorcliffe Mews. We are already in contact with the residents to offer our support should they need to find alternative accommodation.”

The property has had a chequered history. In October resident Craig O’Sullivan, 40, was jailed for life after admitting murdering 30-year-old Gemma Leeming.