Anti-social hotspots closed down in Stockton

Two problem houses at the centre of suspected drug dealing and constant anti-social behaviour have been boarded up and closed.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, in partnership with Cleveland Police, secured Closure Orders on the properties in Durham Road and Kingston Road yesterday (December 15).

The orders mean both properties will be inaccessible to anyone for three months. They are now boarded up and anyone who tries to enter either properties can be prosecuted.

Teesside Magistrates' Court heard details of a string of complaints relating to the two properties.

Witnesses said that the flat on Durham Road was a magnet for anti-social behaviour with residents, including children left feeling intimidated after frequently reporting being exposed to fighting and violence. The court also heard reports of a constant flow of visitors and suspected drug dealing taking place.

The court heard the house on Kingston Road was also identified as a venue for suspected drug dealing with visitors frequently coming to the property. Witnesses also reported feeling scared and threatened in their own homes and one witness reported they would see people urinating outside and would find drug paraphernalia on the street.

Councillor Norma Stephenson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: "These two properties have been at the centre of so much anti-social behaviour and misery for people living close by.

"People have an absolute right to live their lives in peace and this kind of behaviour just won't be tolerated. I hope both these closure orders will bring relief to people in the area and improve their everyday lives.

"I'd like to thank our Civic Enforcement Officers and local ward councillors for their hard work and dedication to help secure the closure orders alongside the local policing team."

Anyone worried about crime where they live can report it to police on 101.

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