Gosport Council Cracks Down on Notorious Crack House
Gosport Borough Council has slammed the shutters on a trouble-hit property at 121 Turner Avenue. Following a string of serious complaints, a premises closure order was slapped on the leasehold home by Portsmouth Magistrates Court.
Strict No-Entry Order in Place
The closure means only the leaseholder and his contractors can step foot inside. Julie Smith, Head of Housing, said the ban will hold until 21 June 2018.
“Residents and the wider community will finally get some much-needed relief while we decide what next steps to take. That could even mean seizing the lease,” Smith said.
Council and Police Join Forces
Council leader Cllr Mark Hook hailed the move as a “great result” showing teamwork between housing officers and the Neighbourhood Policing Team.
“Residents affected by the chaos can breathe easier with today’s outcome,” Hook added.
Local Police Say Enough Is Enough
Chief Inspector Sharon Woolrich of Gosport police revealed the crackdown follows disruptive drug-related antisocial behaviour that had residents at breaking point.
“This order recognises the serious impact drug crime has had on Turner Avenue,” Woolrich said. “We responded to reports from 10 members of the public about criminal activity linked to the address. This kind of behaviour, including violent fights, noise, and damage, is completely unacceptable.”
She described harrowing scenes with:
- Strangers banging on doors and windows at all hours
- Fights and blood found in stairwells
- Bicycles blocking hallways and communal damage
- Strong drug smells and people collapsing outside
Woolrich revealed police executed a warrant earlier this year and pledged ongoing enforcement. She tipped her hat to PC Lisa Bonell and the Neighbourhood Policing Team for their efforts.
“We won’t tolerate this. We’ll use every power we have to protect residents and clean up Turner Avenue,” she said.
