A SUSPECTED drug den in Darlington has been closed down and boarded up, with people banned from entering from three months, under anti social behaviour laws.

Darlington Magistrates Court granted a premises closure order on a property in Harrison Terrace, in the Denes, at the end of last month.

It follows suspected drug dealing and anti-social behaviour at the house.

The property has now been boarded up and is closed for three months under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014  - meaning no-one can enter the house this period and anyone who breaches this will be arrested.

Darlington Borough Council's community safety team secured the closure order after investigating reports of possible drug dealing and extensive anti-social behaviour at the privately-rented residence.

They had to prove to the court that criminal or offensive behaviour had, or may, take place in the house.

The Northern Echo:

Councillor Jonathan Dulston, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Community Safety, said: “Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in Darlington, so if there is there is suspected drug-related activity or continuing anti-social behaviour from your home you could be the next target.

“Our Civic Enforcement Officers, part of the Community Safety Team, work very closely with officers from Durham Police and other partners in a targeted way to ensure our local communities do not have to endure anti-social behaviour and the negative impact it has on their quality of life.”

Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhood can contact the Civic Enforcement Team on 01325 406999, email customerservices@darlington.gov.uk or call the Durham Police non-emergency number 101.