Portsmouth apartment shut down for three months after persistent drug activity
“Residents have suffered for far too long,” a PCSO said.
An apartment in the centre of Portsmouth has been closed by the courts for three months, after repeated anti-social behaviour.
Today (Thursday, July 9) at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court, District Judge Daniel Hayes granted a closure order for an apartment in Jordan Court in Arundel Street, Landport. It comes after numerous complaints to the police about anti-social behaviour at the property, perpetrated by drug users repeatedly entering the flat on a daily basis since March.
Under the order, nobody aside from the occupant of the address, the housing provider, emergency services and the local authority will be allowed to enter or remain at the address within this period.
If they do, they will be committing a criminal offence and will be liable for arrest.
PCSO Chloe Watkins, who issued the original closure notice, said: “The residents of this block have been subjected to repeated and daily anti-social behaviour by drug users continually accessing the flat. Understandably this has made their lives a misery.
“It was important for their welfare, and for the safety of the flat’s occupant, that we looked at effective ways to stop this from continuing.
“Working alongside PC Mark Haviland, we have worked relentlessly to support the affected residents, engage with the housing provider, and ultimately build an evidential case to bring to court to secure this closure order.
“We hope this provides respite to the residents who have suffered for far too long, and we will take action against anyone who breaches the order and enters the flat when they are not permitted to do so.”