Several homes have been shut down in recent weeks amid a hard line response to community concerns about county lines drug dealing and antisocial behaviour. Warwick District Council and Warwickshire Police say they are demonstrating a zero-tolerance approach to the types of crime that have 'plagued' communities in the Leamington area.
As a result, Warwick District Council has obtained Closure Orders against tenants in Windmill Road, Clapham Terrace, Clarendon Square and Briar Close. All of these properties have been shut down for three months.
The authority will now consider if further action is required, such as possession proceedings. Councillor Paul Wightman, WDC's housing chief, said: "For a considerable amount of time the local communities have been plagued by this type of unlawful and disruptive behaviour
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"We are pleased the magistrates saw fit to grant the orders to bring normality to the area and those affected by this." Closure Orders are available to local authorities and the police under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and are said to be 'a great example' of partnership working between various agencies and local communities.
The orders mean that nobody, not even the tenant, can remain in the property during a three-month period, and any persons found in breach of these orders can be arrested and detained for court. If found guilty, a person is liable to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 51 weeks, a £5,000 fine or both.
Residents with drug dealing and antisocial behaviour concerns about local council tenants are urged to contact the council on 01926 456129 or Warwickshire Police on 101.
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