A Worthing flat found to be at the centre of the dealing of Class A drugs has been shut for three months after work led by Adur & Worthing Councils, in partnership with Sussex Police and Worthing Homes.
Agencies acted to get a court order after members of the public reported persistent antisocial behaviour from the property in Northcourt Road.
Regular police patrols to the property identified the address as a hub for drug activity involving dealers from London and vulnerable young people. This was confirmed by follow-up visits, when evidence of Class A drugs and weapons were found by officers.
Several attempts were made with the tenant to put an end to the issues.
But, with the problems persisting, Adur & Worthing Councils’ safer communities team, working with Sussex Police and Worthing Homes, have now obtained the first ever Full Closure Order in the area.
This prevents any person from entering the premises at Flat 2, 34 Northcourt Road in Worthing for the next three months - the maximum time allowed under law. If anyone does, it becomes a criminal offence.
The property is thought to be part of the county lines network - which involves an urban criminal gang travelling to smaller locations to sell heroin and crack cocaine.
Councillor Val Turner, (Conservative, Gaisford Ward) Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:
“Drug dealing is becoming an increasing problem across our communities and has a harmful impact on so many of our residents, particularly the young and the vulnerable. That’s why it is vital that we work with partners to make it clear that we have a zero tolerance approach.
“We have an excellent track record of working with partners, such as the police and Worthing Homes, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure we crackdown on those responsible for bringing harmful substances onto our streets.”