By Tommy Bonnet
A Nottingham flat which the authorities say was overrun with drug crime has been raided by police and boarded up.
The flat, 76 Bentinck Court on Bath Street, Sneinton was closed on Wednesday (November 13) following a litany of complaints from neighbours, Notts Police say.
It has been boarded up for three months following an order from Nottingham Magistrates’ Court, banning anyone from entering the flat. Anyone who breaches the legal order will be liable to imprisonment or a fine.
Police say neighbours of the flat had been repeatedly reporting suspected drug dealing and antisocial behaviour, with officers also going to the address for reported assaults and other drug related crime in the last year.
Bath Street is a busy road, with pedestrians and motorists also witnessing regular problems at the flats.
Police Constable Matthew Mason, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This address had sadly become a magnet for crime and antisocial behaviour that was making residents’ lives a misery.
“Neighbourhood police teams and the Nottingham City Council ASB team have carried out a lengthy and detailed investigation into what had been happening in and around the property.
“The community had the confidence in their local police team to provide the evidence police and our partners needed to take positive action and shut it down.
“Nobody should have to live in fear of their neighbours and we simply won’t tolerate this kind of behaviour.
“I hope it also serves as a warning to other tenants about what could happen to them if they behave in this way.
“This result has only been possible thanks to close and coordinated partnership between police and our council partners.”
A Nottingham City Council spokesperson said: “This action has offered immediate respite to the local community and residents have reported that they have already noticed a significant reduction in antisocial behaviour, and are feeling safer and more secure in their homes.
“Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire Police will continue to work in partnership to tackle the most serious antisocial behaviour and criminality in our communities and will use all powers at our disposal.”
