A CRACK house in Redditch used by a number of local drug users has been closed down and boarded up by police.

The Police had to satisfy Redditch Magistrates that the flat, at the Winyates Centre, was being used for the production, supply or use of Class A drugs and that the premises was associated with disorder or serious nuisance to members of the public.

A drugs warrant executed at the premises last November provided proof that the flat was being used illegally for drug use while reports from local residents and the business community confirmed that the activity at the flat was causing alarm.

The closure, the first of its kind to be granted in North Worcestershire, means that anyone remaining at or entering the premises would be committing an offence and if found guilty, could face a fine and/or a jail sentence of up to six months.

Sgt Neil Billingham from Redditch police said that he hopes the closure will help break the cycle of drug use there.

“The flat had become known locally as a ‘crack house’ in recent months, and this is a reputation we hope it can now shake off,” he said.

“We also hope that everyone affected by the drug-related antisocial behaviour associated with the flat will be reassured to know that it will remain boarded up for three months, and that anyone found inside would be committing an offence and be dealt with accordingly.”

The application for a Premises Closure Order at the Winyates Centre will run for a period of three months, until midnight on May 11.

This application, which has the full support of Redditch Council, means the current occupant has to pack up his belongings and move out.

Sgt Billingham added: “This has been a complex procedure but the effort and co-operation from all those involved has certainly paid off with the approval of this closure order.

“This would have been difficult to achieve without the support of local residents and businesses and we would like to thank them for having the courage to come forward in the way they have.”

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