Wolverhampton house alleged to be crack den closed down
A house at the centre of complaints it was being used as a crack den has been shut down.
Council, police and housing bosses have used new powers for the first time to secure the closure order against the property in Parkfields, Wolverhampton, after concerns were raised over drug use and anti-social behaviour.
It follows complaints over the past two years about alleged drug use at the address, including suggestions it was being used as a crack den with needles littered around the vicinity.
The powers for councils to issue closure notices and then apply to the courts for closure orders came in with the new Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The act enables courts to close a property for up to six months.
The orders are designed to protect victims and communities by quickly closing premises that are causing nuisance or disorder.
The closure notice was issued to the tenant of a Wolverhampton Homes-managed property at 49a Parkfield Grove, Parkfields, on October 26, with the closure order granted by magistrates the following day.
It was determined that the property be closed to everyone except representatives of the council or Wolverhampton Homes, meaning the tenant and visitors are unable to access the house.
It is the first time the new closure powers have been used in Wolverhampton, with magistrates due to consider a second application relating to a property in Bushbury later this week.
The council's city assets boss, Councillor Peter Bilson, said: "The activities taking place at 49a Parkfield Grove have been of great concern to people living in the local area – particularly older residents and families with young children – and they will be relieved that we have been able to tackle the problem."
