Action taken against property linked to drug dealing and anti-social behaviour
A closure order has been obtained against a property in St Albans linked to drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.
The order prevents anyone entering the flat for the next three months without permission from the authorities.
Anyone breaching the order will face prosecution for a criminal offence.
St Albans City and District Council's Anti-Social Behaviour team, supported by Hertfordshire Constabulary, successfully applied to St Albans Magistrates' Court for the order to be granted.
The Council acted after complaints from neighbours and submitted three impact statements from residents as well as Ring doorbell footage to support the application.
Police were on hand as the order was served on the Council-owned flat at Abbots Avenue West, Sopwell, with a warning notice attached to the door.
Councillor Sarwar Shamsher, Lead for Community Safety, said:
Activities associated with this property had been causing concern within the community for some time. Residents, including families with young children, wanted action to be taken, and the Council, working closely with Hertfordshire Constabulary, has responded with firm and proportionate action.
Access to the flat is now restricted under the terms of the closure order. We will work with the relevant partners to ensure that the property can once again be used as a safe and secure home.
Securing this closure order demonstrates our commitment to protecting residents and tackling drug-related activity and anti-social behaviour in our neighbourhoods.
Photo: PC Ben Kirby from Herts Constabulary with the Council's Anti-Social Behaviour Officer Carmel Sheringham-Ford.
Council Media Contacts: www.stalbans.gov.uk/news-and-whats.