Airbnb property shut down for alleged lockdown parties

The property in Droylsden that was being let on Airbnb

A house being let on Airbnb has been shut down after it was alleged people were hiring it to hold lockdown parties.

Tameside Magistrates authorised a closure order on the terraced house in nearby Droylsden on March 17 after an application was made by the council.

Officers from the local authority, working with Greater Manchester Police, investigated the holiday let property following complaints from local residents.

People said there was anti-social behaviour, parties and noisy gatherings occurring at the Short Avenue house, which caused disturbances to neighbours and were in breach of Covid-19 regulations.

The closure notice will be in place for three months until June 17 this year.

Cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community safety and environment, Councillor Allison Gwynne said it was a ‘great result’ for the local community in Droylsden.

“This AirBnB property was clearly not being used responsibly – it was causing a continued neighbourhood nuisance and visitors were also committing flagrant Covid breaches, putting people’s safety at risk,” she added.

“I’m pleased our joint work with the police to take robust enforcement action will put an end to these issues.”

Inspector Lee Derbyshire from GMP’s Tameside district said: “The Covid legislation is put in place to protect our community and keep us safe during this pandemic.

“Disregarding those rules means taking our already stretched resources away from those who may need them.

“This behaviour is unacceptable, and I hope this acts as a reminder that it won’t be tolerated by the police or local authority.

“I would like to thank those who are abiding by the legislation as I know that these are strange and difficult times we are currently living in, but it is so important we play our part in keeping our community safe.”

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