A St Ann’s flat has been closed down for three months due to ongoing reports of drug use, alleged drug dealing and prostitution.
The Nottingham City Homes one-bedroom flat located at 5 Rodel Court has been a concern for a long time as drug and prostitute related allegations have surrounded the property since 2013. Four warrants took place over the past three years, with each resulting in Class A drugs, cannabis, and drug taking paraphernalia being found, all of which the tenant denied ownership of.
Community Protection and Nottingham City Homes have sought to resolve the issues through working with the tenant Ralph Walters, but despite verbal, written and legal action, the problems still remain.
As part of investigations, an officer has spoken to members of the community directly and they have been open and voiced their concerns about the unlawful drug dealing activity and nuisance from the premises, demanding action be taken as the activity at the premises is having a negative impact on their quality of life.
Residents reported that from 5pm onwards the behaviour would pick up with fights in the car park, screaming and shouting around the complex involving those who visit the premises. One resident stated that they hear people banging on the door of the premises at all hours shouting “I need some drugs” and then see the person being let in to the premises.
Following this investigation, a three month closure order was granted by Nottingham Magistrates Court on Thursday 25 January.
Councillor and Portfolio Holder for Planning, Housing and Heritage Jane Urquhart said: “There is a clear cycle of drugs and prostitution occurring at the premises with the tenant denying all knowledge of them. The decision was not taken lightly but given the tenant’s inability to control the situation, the impact the incidents have had on the community and in order to protect the other residents of Rodel Court, this action was necessary.”
Principle Enforcement Officer, Richard Antcliff said: “We are committed to taking robust steps against anyone whose actions continually blight the lives of those in the surrounding community including closing any properties that are focus of serious anti-social behaviour. While we will have only closed the property for three months, Community Protection and Nottingham City Homes will now take further legal action to seek permanent possession of the property to ensure that local residents are provided with a permanent solution to the problems that they have experienced.”
The flat has now been secured and the locks have been changed. Nottingham City Council’s Community Protection service and Nottingham City Homes will now pursue proceedings to take possession of the property, with the intention of terminating Mr Walters’ tenancy.