Wolverhampton houses shut to outsiders after major series of drugs raids
Five homes in a single Wolverhampton street have been 'closed' to everyone except the tenants and named family members following a series of drugs raids.
The properties in Chester Street, Whitmore Reans, were raided by police in July as part of a blitz on suspected dealers which resulted in six arrests.
Now Wolverhampton council has secured court orders using new powers to tackle anti-social behaviour.
The 'partial closure' orders mean the homes have been closed to everyone except the tenant and named family members for the next three months.
The closures were carried out this week by representatives of the council's Anti-Social Behaviour Team and Midland Heart, which owns the properties, with the support of the police.
Under the orders Midland Heart can apply for possession of the properties if required.
And any breach could lead to a prosecution and, on conviction, a prison sentence of up to three months or a fine.
Councillor Paul Sweet, the council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Operation Eliminate and these subsequent closure orders are great examples of agencies working together to tackle a serious problem which was blighting the lives of law abiding residents.
"We want to make our communities safer and better places to live by addressing the root causes of crime and anti-social behaviour.
"These actions demonstrate how seriously the authorities take criminal activity and anti-social behaviour and sends out a very clear message – drug dealing on our estates will not be tolerated."
The partial closure orders - granted by Walsall Magistrates Court on Wednesday (SEP 21) - are in place in respect of numbers 44, 65, 103, 106 and 112 in Chester Street.
Five people have been charged with drugs offences and four others bailed following the raids.
Supt Keith Fraser, from Wolverhampton Police, said: "This action by the council is part of our partnership approach to reduce the harm caused by drug dealing.
"It shows we are committed to longer term solutions for communities. It also sends a warning message to those involved in drug dealing."
The power for local authorities to issue full and partial closure notices to tenants, and subsequently apply to the courts for closure orders, was introduced through the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
It is designed to protect victims and communities by quickly closing premises that are causing nuisance or disorder.
Anyone who is concerned about drug crime in their neighbourhood is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
