Council and democracy

Croydon closes Norbury drugs den

Croydon Magistrates' Court granted the closure order on Tuesday (August 5) after hearing evidence that the council property, in Newlands Road, had been used to sell Class A drugs. The property has now been sealed off.

The court was told that the address was a well-known hotspot for antisocial behaviour in the area. The tenant had loud parties every weekend and gangs gathered outside the property on a nightly basis. Neighbours felt intimidated by the tenant and visitors to her flat and avoided walking past the property.

A joint operation began in July when local police and the council's antisocial behaviour enforcement team swooped on the flat and uncovered traces of crack cocaine and drugs paraphernalia including electronic scales, crack pipes and burnt foil.

An American pitbull terrier was also discovered at the premises and taken away as a dangerous dog.

The raid followed intelligence gathered by a council surveillance team about open drug dealing and noise nuisance taking place at the property.

Upon hearing the overwhelming evidence, including statements read out from local residents, magistrates granted a full three-month closure order.

Councillor Dudley Mead, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, said: "This is an excellent result by the council and Croydon police - a real partnership effort.

"I would like to praise all the residents who provided evidence to help us put a stop to this illegal activity.

"We have zero tolerance towards drug dealing taking place in our properties and we will always take the strongest form of action against the perpetrators."

Dept Supt David Palmer of Croydon Police said: "This is an excellent example of effective partnership intervention between Croydon Police and Croydon Council to shut down a 'crack house'. We remain committed to using whatever powers are at our disposal in order to tackle and reduce antisocial behaviour taking place on this borough.

"We continue to work alongside our partners, in a joint effort to achieve this. Local residents have already expressed their appreciation for the good work carried out and I am confident that the closure will improve their quality of life."