THIS was the moment a ‘crack house’ which struck fear into the lives of nearby residents was shut down by police.
The flat on Pickersleigh Grove, which is yards away from a primary school, was formally closed by officers last Wednesday (December 11).
Three men including the registered tenant had been previously arrested for suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
The warrants were issued on November 27 during which drugs were seized by the safer neighbourhood team. The three men remain on police bail.
Residents in the area who had given statements said activity at the property had seriously impacted on their quality of life and made the neighbourhood unsafe.
One woman claimed she felt frightened and intimidated by people entering the flat, which included pregnant women.
She added she did not like letting her children play outside in case someone offered them any drugs.
Another resident said the flat had been a problem for a couple of years and said there had often been needles left out the front.
They added that the flat was ‘full of druggies’ and people could often be seen exchanging items in nearby alleyways.
PC Dave Wise, from Malvern Safer Neighbourhood Team, said there had been a step up in drug activity and the flat had become a ‘serious nuisance’ in the last three months which sparked an operation to gather information and execute warrants.
He added the landlord Festival Housing had supported residents in passing on complaints to the police and the opportunity presented itself to obtain an order from Worcester Magistrates Court to close down the flat in the short term.
The closure order bans the tenant for 88 days and warns anyone entering the premises could be fined and jailed.
PC Wise said police would be requesting Festival Housing made the arrangement permanent.
He added: “The key message for us is that this is not the end of our action and we are mindful that a measure such as this can move a problem elsewhere.
“We are fully aware of the offenders that have visited this address over the last three months, most remain on bail and we will continue to pursue those possessing, using and supplying class A drugs in the Malvern Hills area.
“We are grateful for the support of the community and those who have come forward to make statements.
“It sends a message to those who allow their properties to be misused in this way and has helped the residents of Pickersleigh Grove to feel safe again.”
