Tenants using a house as a drugs den, have been evicted with the application of new anti-social behaviour (ASB) powers given to Oldham Council.
The ‘Oldham Community Safety and Cohesion Partnership’, one of the first of its kind in the country, gives the council powers to remove renters from a property and grant closure on the property for up to three months.
Tricia O’Connor, 30, and Jason Wakeford, 41, are banned from entering the premises in Roundthorn after visits to the property showed evidence of Class-A drug taking.
Tameside Magistrates Court approved the closure for the property yesterday after partners in the scheme First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) and GMP received numerous complaints over anti-social behaviour and criminality.
Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Co-operatives said: “These fresh powers have ensured swift co-operative action to protect our communities.
“We hope this tough action to scourge out anti-social behaviour delivers a hard-hitting message to those who illegally take drugs and cause a nuisance to other residents.
“This type of behaviour will not be tolerated here.”
Also introduced along with these powers was the ASB Case Review, which allows a member of the community to request a formal review of a relevant case.
Cath Green, Chief Executive of FCHO said: “We are very proud to be leading the way nationally with our working partnership and hope we can serve as a successful example to other authorities on listening to local residents and acting on their behalf for the good of the community.”
Anyone with information on drug-related crimes is urged to call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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