Property used for drug dealing shut down
Stockton-on-Tees Borough CouncilA house at the centre of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour has been shut down.
Neighbours reported fighting and arguing regularly took place at the property on Durham Road in Stockton and at one point men wearing balaclavas entered the building.
It will now be shut for three months after Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Cleveland Police secured a closure order from Teesside Magistrates' Court.
Councillor Norma Stephenson said it would provide some "much-needed respite" for residents.
"Nobody should feel unsafe in their home, but sadly this has been the reality for residents living near this property, which became a magnet for anti-social behaviour and drug dealing," she said.
She urged anyone with similar concerns to contact the council's civic enforcement team.
Ch Insp Andy Evans said: "In this case, the local community were plagued with anti-social behaviour and witnessing fights as well as drug activity at a property.
"Following various reports and information provided to us, officers were able to work alongside the council to close down the property to prevent this activity and disorder from continuing."