A Nottingham flat that police describe as ‘plagued by drug crime’ and antisocial behaviour has been boarded up.
Nottinghamshire Police and Nottingham City Council worked in partnership to secure the closure order on 76 Bentinck Court, Bath Street, Sneinton, following a string of complaints from neighbours and passers-by.
The property was closed on 13 November when the order was granted at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court.
The closure order will be in place for three months and prohibits anyone from entering the flat.
If an individual breaches the order, they will be committing an offence and will be liable to imprisonment and/or a fine.
An application to shut the property was submitted by the council, supported by neighbourhood police.
Action was taken after neighbours repeatedly reported suspected drug dealing and antisocial behaviour.
Officers have also attended the address in the past year following reports of assaults and other drug-related crime.
The property is located on a busy road, which meant passing motorists and pedestrians also regularly witnessed problems at the flats.
Police Constable Matthew Mason, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“This address had sadly become a magnet for crime and antisocial behaviour that was making residents’ lives a misery.
“Neighbourhood police teams and the Nottingham City Council ASB team have carried out a lengthy and detailed investigation into what had been happening in and around the property.
“The community had confidence in their local police team to provide the evidence police and our partners needed to take positive action and shut it down.
“Nobody should have to live in fear of their neighbours, and we simply won’t tolerate this kind of behaviour.
“I hope it also serves as a warning to other tenants about what could happen to them if they behave in this way.
“This result has only been possible thanks to close and coordinated partnership between police and our council partners.”
A Nottingham City Council spokesperson said:
“This action has offered immediate respite to the local community, and residents have reported that they have already noticed a significant reduction in antisocial behaviour and are feeling safer and more secure in their homes.
“Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire Police will continue to work in partnership to tackle the most serious antisocial behaviour and criminality in our communities, and will use all powers at our disposal.
“Throughout ASB Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday (24 November), Nottinghamshire Police is shining a spotlight on the force’s continued efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour and the positive work being done within communities.”
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