RESIDENTS living in a block of flats in Darlington can look forward to a more peaceful life in future, after a property used for the suspected dealing and misuse of Class A drugs was boarded up.

The property, in Richard Pease House, in Darlington’s Trinity Road, will be left in total isolation for the next three months, after a crack house closure order was issued by magistrates.

After that, social landlord Places for People Housing Group, which is responsible for the property, will look to let the flat out to more reliable tenants.

Locksmiths visited the property yesterday (MON) afternoon and spent about 40 minutes securing the premises.

Warrants had been executed at the property on two separate occasions earlier in the year, leading to the discovery of Class A and B drugs.

On Friday (MAY18), magistrates in Darlington granted the order, enabling the flat to be effectively quarantined for three months.

The two former occupants of the property, who were arrested when an earlier warrant was executed, are on police bail, on suspicion of drugs offences.

The application was made by PC Richard Thompson and community support officer Liam Robertson, of the Cockerton neighbourhood policing team, as well as Claire Williams from Darlington Borough Council’s anti-social behaviour team and Paul Gallagher from Places for People.

Council leader Bill Dixon, who also has responsibility for policing and community safety, said: “This is a fantastic result for the residents affected by this nuisance and was a great partnership effort by all involved.

“It perhaps looks a bit heavy-handed, but this move will bring peace of mind for other residents living in the building, who can now look forward to three months of peace and quiet.”

Mr Robertson said: “We hope this sends out a clear message that activities such as those that have been taking place at this property will not be tolerated and, together with our partner agencies, we will take robust action to stop them.”

A spokeswoman for Places for People said: “This is a great result and sends out a strong message that Places for People will not tolerate any form of anti-social behaviour that negatively impacts on our customers’ lives.”