Problem property closed down in Stockton

A Stockton property at the centre of constant drug dealing and daily anti-social behaviour has been shut down.

Teesside Magistrates' Court heard this week that residents living near the Norfolk Street property said they'd "had enough of the anti-social behaviour" and "can't take it anymore".

Witnesses spoke of regularly seeing drug dealing at the three-bedroom terraced house, with money being posted through the letterbox and drugs thrown out through open windows and at times queues of people waiting outside the property.

The court heard there were regular incidents of violence and disorder late into the night which left other residents living in fear and unable to sleep.

In a statement from Cleveland Police, Magistrates were told the property was associated with "prolonged drug dealing activity" and that a closure order was "absolutely necessary to prevent that behaviour" and to "protect residents of Norfolk Street and the community within the surrounding area".

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council secured a Closure Order on the property in partnership with Cleveland Police. The order means the tenant, Kelly Bishop, must not enter the property and it will be inaccessible to anyone for three months. 

The order was supported by Accent Housing which owns and rents the house.

Councillor Norma Stephenson, the Council's Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: "It's absolutely unacceptable that innocent people should endure this kind of shocking behaviour, which some say has left them feeling scared in their own homes.

"Many residents living in the area of Norfolk Street are elderly and vulnerable and have lived in the area for many years.

"I'm very pleased the closure order will bring some peace to the neighbourhood and allow residents to live a normal life and not in fear.

"I'd like to thank our Civic Enforcement Officers for their hard work and dedication to help secure the closure order alongside the local policing team and ward councillors."

Chief Inspector Dan Heron of Stockton's Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "I know actions speak louder than words and that is why my staff and I are out in Stockton every day working with key partners, arresting offenders, closing problem properties, and protecting the community.

"We have a great partnership with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and we will continue to work together to improve the quality of lives of residents in Stockton.

"I often hear from residents that they don't want to bother the police or they are unsure if anything will be done but please keep the reports coming in as it builds up a bigger picture for action to be taken.

"Information from the public is vital and I would urge them to contact us on 101 with any issues or concerns they have."