‘More visitors than Alton Towers’ for closed house
POLICE have boarded up a town centre house after it was blamed for fights and drug-dealing in the area.
Anti-social behaviour was also linked to the problem property in London Street, Leek, after neighbours’ lives were made a misery for months.
Now magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre have approved a closure order which means no-one can live in the house for the next months.
The action - under Section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act - has been backed by Staffordshire Police.
Sergeant Rob Peacock said: “The occupants of this property have been making life miserable for local residents for months so we’re pleased with the court’s decision. Anti-social behaviour and drugs will not be tolerated and we will continue to use anti-social behaviour legislation to close properties and remove nuisance tenants.”
Neighbours have reported being plagued by drug-dealing, shouting and screaming, vandal attacks, and a moped racing up and down the street. They say the property has been raided by police - and people even turned up on mobility scooters to buy drugs.
One neighbour said: “I’ve seen drug-dealing in the street and on the corner of Southbank Street and it has been constant for months and at all times of the day. You see people swapping money for little bags. The house has been raided a couple of times and the police would be on this street most of the time to deal with the trouble linked to this house.”
Another neighbour said: “The house had more visitors than Alton Towers. I’ve seen people on mobility scooters ride up and down the street and then leave their scooters on the corner of Duke Street while they stopped off to buy drugs.”
Community leaders have also welcomed the court action.
District councillor Darren Price said: “I live around the corner and I’ve heard hearsay about reports of violence and drug abuse on London Street.”
To report drug-dealing in your area call the police on 101.