Closure notice puts an end to drugs den (From Northwich Guardian)

Northwich flat brought misery to neighbours

8:10am Friday 30th July 2010 in News

RESIDENTS living in fear of a drugs den in Rudheath can breathe a sigh of relief, after the premises was boarded up for three months.

Cheshire Police shut down the property, 17 South Drive, after magistrates authorised a closure notice.

Steven Gibson, 59, the tenant of the Weaver Vale Housing Trust property, was served with a closure notice under the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003.

This allows for the closure of a premises used in connection with the production, supply or use of class A drugs and is associated with disorder or serious nuisance.

Andrew Pope, chairman of the bench, told Gibson: “I am fully aware that this decision will have an impact on your life.”

PC Neil Wharmby explained how Gibson’s actions had had a huge effect on his neighbours, as well as confirming that used foils and needles were found at the property.

He said: “Residents are routinely checking their safety before they leave the premises.”

When given his opportunity to speak in court, Gibson said he was unaware how people were accessing his flat.

He said: “I have told the police that people have been getting in my flat – I don’t know how but I have phoned a number of times and told Northwich Police about it.

“They are getting in my flat so there’s nothing I can say any more. Don’t put a closure order on my flat because of my ill health, and I have got nowhere else to go.”

Gibson must now leave the property, and anyone attempting to enter will be committing an offence.

Gibson was told he had 21 days to appeal, with the closure order lasting until October 23, 2010.