Respite for residents as Bestwood problem flat boarded up

The police and council have teamed up to shut down a flat notorious for attracting trouble to Bestwood.

A stream of complaints and drug-related reports have come in about 40 Rose Ash Lane since the start of last year.

The address has become a magnet for drug taking, dealing, violence, noise, and general antisocial behaviour (ASB).

Neighbours have been made to suffer in the process, with around 100 separate complaints and reports being made about the flat.

The majority have revolved around the sale and taking of drugs, with this activity attracting trouble and violence to the area.

This has included reports of people showing up at the flat wearing balaclavas and brandishing weapons – often over drug disputes.

Despite numerous visits from City North officers and Nottingham City Council representatives, reports have continued to come in.

Decisive action has now been taken, with a full closure order being secured by the city council, with the support of the neighbourhood policing team.

The council flat has been boarded up as part of this, with the order making it a criminal offence for anyone to go inside it for the next three months.

Anyone who disobeys these rules without reasonable excuse puts themselves at risk of being punished with a fine, imprisonment, or both.

Inspector Paul Ferguson, of Nottinghamshire Police’s City North neighbourhood policing team, said:

“This property has blighted the lives of neighbouring residents for some time now, so we’re pleased to see it boarded up.

“Despite receiving countless warnings, the tenants have continued to allow this property to become a hub for criminality, whether that be drug activity, ASB, or other unpleasant behaviour.

“This stream of trouble has caused real misery to those living nearby, who deserve to be able to live their lives without the anguish caused by issues at this premises.

“We have been working in close partnership with the council for some time now to find a solution and to bring these residents some respite, which we hope will be achieved by this closure order.”

Principle Enforcement Officer Sabina Besic, of Nottingham City Council’s ASB Service, said:

“This flat has become a notorious site for criminal and serious antisocial behaviour.

“The property has caused ongoing distress to local residents for several years, with reports of drug using and dealing at the premises, as well as disruptive arguments, men attending the premises with machetes, and windows being smashed.

“Nottingham City Council and the police have made repeated efforts to address this behaviour through various enforcement actions. Closure orders are serious legal measures and are not pursued lightly.

“This behaviour is wholly unacceptable, and we will continue to use all available powers to protect and support the local community. The flat will remain closed for three months.”