A North East property has been closed following reports of constant drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.

A property on Norfolk Street in Stockton has been ordered closed after Stockton Borough Council (SBC) secured a three-month closure order at Teesside Magistrates Court.

The Court heard residents living near the address speak on how they’d “had enough of the anti-social behaviour” and how they “can’t take it anymore”.

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It also heard how there were regular incidents of violence and disorder late into the night leaving those living on the street in fear and unable to sleep.

Magistrates were told in a police statement that the property was  associated with “prolonged drug dealing activity” and the order was “absolutely necessary to prevent that behaviour” and to “protect residents of Norfolk Street and the community within the surrounding area”.

Councillor Norma Stephenson 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.”

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The order means Kelly Bishop, the property’s tenant, must not enter the property and it will remain inaccessible for three months. 

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

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.

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“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.”

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