Drug den flat served with court order

June 24, 2019 by Leigh-on-sea.com

A property in Southend-on-Sea has been served a closure order following a multi-agency operation into drug related activity. 

On Tuesday 11 June 2019, officers from the Council, Essex Police and South Essex Homes served a closure Notice on 106 Quantock, Chichester Road, following evidence of drug activity in the flat and the surrounding communal hallways and staircases. A hearing took place on Wednesday 12 June 2019 at Southend Magistrates Court, however this was adjourned for a period of seven days to allow the tenant to secure legal advice.

On Wednesday 19 June 2019, the council were successful in securing a Closure Order under the ASB Crime and Policing Act 2014. The Closure Order lasts three months and means that only the Council, Police and South Essex Homes officers, can enter the property in this time. The tenant is excluded from the property during this time. Whilst the property is closed, an application for possession action will be sought. 

Anyone seen entering the property can be arrested and faces up to 51 weeks in prison, and unlimited fine or both. 

This action was taken with evidence supplied by South Essex Homes, SEPS Security and Essex Police detailing the significant impact this behaviour was having on residents and the community 

Cllr Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety and customer contact, said: “It is great to see positive action with the closure order placed on this property. We have received many complaints about drug dealing and drug use from concerned residents, and this outcome will be very much welcomed by residents.

“We are dedicated to keeping our residents safe and well, and when residents do not feel safe in their own homes, appropriate action must be taken. If anyone has any information regarding the sale of drugs, please contact Essex Police by calling 101.”