A DRUGS den that brought misery and fear to a neighbourhood has been shut down – the second in less than a week.

It is the latest strike in a town-wide drive by Middlesbrough Council and Cleveland Police to win back law-abiding streets from dealers, thugs and yobs.

The Clifton Street property falls under the Newport ward Selective Landlord Licensing (SLL) scheme, with officers from the Council’s SLL team leading on securing the binding court order.

The first floor flat will now be secured for three months with screens funded by the Safer Streets project run by the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner and the Council.

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston hailed the closure as another success for locality working, bringing together Council officers, police and members of the local community.

One resident feared the problems in Middlesbrough’s Clifton Street could escalate into gang warfare, with an array of weapons including swords, knives, ammonia, bats and CS spray seized in a police raid in November.

That followed more than 40 reports of crack cocaine dealing at the property between January and November last year.

Known drug users would shout and whistle to attract the attention of the occupants while sex workers would use the property to buy and take drugs.

November’s raid led to three arrests for a range of offences including supplying drugs and possession of firearms and offensive weapons.

The closure of the Clifton Street property was confirmed on Thursday at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: “No-one should behave like this at the heart of peaceful, law-abiding communities, and no-one should have to put up with it either.

“This closure is the second in a week and once again sends a clear message to the dealers, thugs and trouble-makers that we’re coming after them.

“I’m grateful to our officers, the police and everyone involved in getting a great result on behalf of local people.

“Above all I want to thank the members of the local community for standing up to this short of behaviour and doing their bit to stamp it out.”

Newport ward member Councillor Chris Cooke added: “This unacceptable behaviour has gone on far too long, with no action from the landlord.

“Law-abiding residents have had to suffer through the actions of these people, so I’m delighted to see this property closed on their behalf.”

Inspector Darren Birkett, from Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is the second closure order on a problematic property in the town this week.

“Our officers have been working closely with Middlesbrough Council and partners to ensure that those affected by others’ criminal and anti-social behaviour do not have to live in misery.

“Let this stand as a warning; it will not be tolerated and we will take action. Anyone who wishes to report criminal or anti-social behaviour to police is urged to do so on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”