A FAMILY accused of making neighbours’ lives a misery could be removed from their home under new anti-social behaviour laws.

On Saturday police issued an interim closure notice on four adults and two children living at a home in Leamington Road.

The notice warned that in 48 hours magistrates would decide whether to remove them permanently from the rented terraced property.

It named David Smalley, 63, Barbara Gretch, 46, Carl Gretch, 33, Faye Bower, 22, a 14-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy as being subject to the action.

If magistrates grant the anti-social behaviour order today (MON), it would be the first time the powers had been used on a family in Blackburn.

Police said there have been 43 call-outs to the home over the past two years and that residents had been given their own log sheets to record incidents.

A police spokesperson said: “There has been continuous complaints from the public about serious nuisance and disorder including drunken behaviour, swearing, shouting, fighting, loud music and dog related nuisance.

“The notice serves a clear message to the community that action is being taken against the premises and informing the residents that their activities will not be tolerated.”

The closure notice, made under Section 11a of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, is only the second of its kind to be executed in Blackburn.

The first order was used to close down a property being used by prostitutes.

Police said they decided to act after other options, such as anti-social behaviour contracts, discussions with the landlord, and referals to the council, failed to work.

Four neighbours will be giving evidence today (Mon) at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court with the police.

The closure notices were first introduced in April and can be given to any resident, regardless of whether they own the house or rent.

Anyone who fails to be abide by the order faces imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to £5,000.