A flat in Balderton, Newark that had become a magnet for antisocial behaviour has been closed by police.
The property, in Wolfit Avenue, had been the focus of numerous calls about antisocial behaviour and drug-related crime for much of the last year, leaving neighbouring residents feeling unsafe.
A drugs warrant was carried out at the address in October this year, and a small quantity of Class A drugs was recovered.
Officers have now secured a closure order on the address after making a successful application to Mansfield Magistrates’ Court.
The order, granted on 21 November, prevents anyone from entering the property for a period of three months and will allow Newark and Sherwood District Council to secure possession of the property.
Anyone breaching the order during this time will be prosecuted.
PC Anthea Brotheridge, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“This flat had unfortunately become a magnet for antisocial behaviour – with high numbers of unsavoury characters coming and going at all times of the day.
“This led to a significant rise in drug-related crime and disorder, and we experienced a sharp rise in calls from people who were understandably worried for their safety.
“We simply won’t tolerate that kind of behaviour and will take firm action to protect law-abiding residents in our community.
“So, in addition to the recent warrant executed at this address, we have also secured a closure order to ensure the previous tenant and their associates cannot return.
“We hope this serves as a warning to others who are behaving in similar ways towards their neighbours.”
Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said:
“This is another example where we’ve worked with the police to take action. In the past few months, we’ve worked with the police to secure a number of closure orders to keep our communities safe.
“We are committed to clamping down on ASB and criminal behaviour, and we will continue our successful partnership working with the Police to ensure our reach is wide and our resources are strengthened.
“I also urge anyone who witnesses or experiences ASB to report it to Nottinghamshire Police or the District Council, so that we can take appropriate action.”
Councillor Lee Brazier, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Newark and Sherwood District Council, added:
“We will not stand by and allow this behaviour in our district and, as landlord, we do not allow tenants to flout the law and cause distress to nearby neighbours.
“We are dedicated to ensuring such behaviours do not go unpunished, which is why our Housing team has worked in partnership with the Police to take action. We will not tolerate antisocial behaviour in our district, and we will take further action when necessary.”
