A court has ordered the closure of a North East property following persistent criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.
Hartlepool Borough Council secured a closure order on February 11 for 6 Marlborough Street in Hartlepool.
Concerns about the property included suspected Class A drug dealing, the presence of weapons, and a steady stream of visitors at all hours of the day and night.
The order was granted at Teesside Magistrates’ Court following an application from the town’s Community Safety Team.
Owen Riddle, chair of the council’s neighbourhood and regulatory services committee, said: "The behaviour linked to this address has caused significant fear, disruption and distress to law-abiding residents living nearby.
"This action is another clear example of how effective partnership working within the Hartlepool Community Safety Team is helping to protect communities safeguard those affected by serious anti-social behaviour and crime.
"We continue to urge residents to report concerns to Cleveland Police via 101 or 999 in an emergency or to Hartlepool Borough Council at community.safety@hartlepool.gov.uk.
"Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
The court heard evidence of daily drug activity, with visitors arriving as often as every 10 minutes.
Packages believed to contain drugs were reportedly being passed through the letterbox or thrown from an upstairs window.
Police also received reports of crack cocaine being sold at the property.
Cleveland Police’s neighbourhood policing inspector, Adrian Dack, said: "The drugs activity at this address, and the noise and antisocial behaviour that comes with that, has caused misery for other people living on this street.
"Working together with partners and the local community, we have managed to secure a closure order on these premises, which should come as a welcome relief to other residents.
"Without the constant stream of visitors to the house at all hours of the day, hopefully the community will feel much safer."
This case forms part of the Hartlepool Community Safety Team’s ongoing work to tackle drug-related activity, violence, and anti-social behaviour in residential areas across the town.
Anyone who witnesses a breach of the closure order is urged to contact Cleveland Police on 101, or call 999 in an emergency.
Reports can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
Breaching a closure order carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
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