The historic facade of the former Debenhams building on Long Row stands as a silent reminder of Nottingham’s retail heritage, but behind its shuttered doors, a more dangerous narrative has been unfolding. This week, local authorities escalated their response to persistent disorder, securing legal orders to shut down the landmark site and a residential property in Radford that had become a magnet for criminal activity.
For broader context, see safety crackdown.
Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire Police confirmed that Closure Orders are now in effect for both the derelict city centre department store and 31 Manston Mews. The move follows months of escalating concerns from residents and emergency services regarding public safety and illegal behavior.
Tackling disorder at Manston Mews and Long Row
In Radford, the action at 31 Manston Mews comes after a sustained period of distress for the local community. Residents reported a pattern of serious anti-social behaviour, including open drug use and prostitution linked to the address. The impact on the neighborhood was described by officials as significant, creating an environment of fear and persistent nuisance for those living nearby.
Simultaneously, the focus has shifted to the former Debenhams building, a site that has struggled with security since its closure. Despite being a prominent city centre location, the derelict building has seen repeated incidents of unauthorized entry. Police reports highlight a worrying trend of children and young people gaining access to the site and climbing onto the roof, presenting a severe risk to their own lives and the safety of pedestrians on the streets below.
Police powers expanded at the former Debenhams site
Chief Inspector Kylie Davies of Nottinghamshire Police emphasized that the closure order is a necessary step to protect both the public and the fabric of the city’s vacant buildings. The order provides officers with immediate powers to deal with anyone attempting to enter the premises unlawfully.
“We are consistently called to the Debenhams site due to children and young people entering the site and putting themselves at risk,” Chief Inspector Davies stated. She noted that the new legal status of the building means the police will not hesitate to use the full extent of their powers to prevent criminal damage and trespassing.
For the city centre, the order serves as a preventative measure to stop the landmark from becoming a hotspot for wider criminal activity while its long-term future remains under discussion. The risk of falls from height or structural accidents in such a large, unmonitored space has been a primary driver for the intervention.
A partnership approach to community protection
These actions were coordinated through the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, a piece of legislation that allows local authorities to lock down properties linked to serious nuisance or disorder. The process involved a collaborative effort between Nottingham City Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team, Nottinghamshire Police, and Nottingham City Council Housing Services.
Councillor Matt Shannon, Executive Member for Community Protection, explained that these orders are not used lightly but are essential when residents’ safety is compromised. He reiterated that people in Nottingham deserve to live free from the distress caused by persistent disorder. The council has indicated that it will continue to monitor other problem areas across the city, using evidence gathered from the community to secure further court results where necessary.
By securing these orders through the courts, the authorities have effectively removed the immediate threat to the peace in Radford and secured a high-risk site in the heart of the city. The focus now turns to ensuring these locations do not lapse back into being magnets for disorder, with increased patrols and monitoring expected in the coming weeks.
Source: Nottingham City Council
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