Drug den that attracted 'queues of addicts' shut down by Blackpool magistrates

Neighbours said they saw queues of people outside the house, on Central Drive, waiting to buy drugs

Blackpool Magistrates’ Court heard the property, on Central Drive, was used to sell class A substances.

District Judge Philip Barnes heard how a police raid on the former guest house revealed drugs paraphernalia in the house, such as tin foil and scales.

Neighbours had complained to Blackpool Council about the illicit activities and raised concerns over children visiting the property. As a result, the council successfully applied for a closure order on the terraced house.

Tenant Julie Valentine was evicted after an earlier County Court hearing granted possession of the property to a housing association.

At the magistrates court, prosecutor for the council Mike Caveney said that a closure notice had already been posted on the property and Valentine was fully aware of what was going on.She did not attend either set of proceedings.

He added: “We have two statements from neighbours who are too scared to have their names given as they fear retribution. They tell of how the premises are used for drug dealing with queues of drugs users attending and being sold drugs from a window. They believe a 4x4 car delivers the drugs down the back alley.”

Judge Barnes granted the order and said he was satisfied that criminal activity was going on at the house.

Coun Christine Wright, Blackpool Council cabinet member for housing, said: “Blackpool Council’s housing enforcement team applied to close this property because of the long standing anti-social behaviour and criminal activity at this address.

“This type of behaviour is unacceptable and causes distress to the community.”

She added the council would use ‘all powers available’ to tackle nuisance properties.