A DRUGS den has been shut down after neighbours complained about feeling intimated, isolated and fearful of being victims of violence.

Tenant Richard Carlyon, 72, has been evicted from the property in Trinity Street, Stockton, which has been boarded up and will be inaccessible to anyone for three months.

The order was secured by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, in partnership with Cleveland Police.

Teesside Magistrates’ Court heard there had been a series of complaints about the property over the past 18 months, including ones about drug use and drug dealing, a constant flow of visitors at all hours and physical fighting, as well as verbal abuse and threats, urinating in the street, littering, and vandalism.

Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s cabinet member for access, communities and community safety, said: “All residents have the right to feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods, but the actions of Mr Carlyon and his visitors left people in his street feeling extremely scared and anxious.

“We have worked very hard with Cleveland Police to take action and I’m pleased that we have been able to put an end to months of misery. I’d also like to thank our Civic Enforcement team and ward councillors whose efforts helped us secure this order.”

Sergeant John Sproson, from Stockton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Cleveland Police will not tolerate drugs activity and the associated nuisance and crime which goes hand in hand with drugs. After concerns about this property were raised, we have worked closely with our partners to address these issues.

“Officers have carried out drugs warrants at this address previously and drugs have been recovered. Let this be a warning to anyone who thinks that being involved in drugs activity is acceptable, we will take action to stop the misery for those living in the local community and, where appropriate, this includes removing people from their properties.”

The property is within the Central Stockton Community Partnership which brings together the Council, police, fire brigade, social landlords like Thirteen, and voluntary organisations to make central Stockton a better place to live.

Anyone with information regarding anti-social behaviour in their area should contact Cleveland Police on 101.