A local authority has intervened to stop a house in Liverpool being used as a drugs den.
The council worked with Merseyside Police to secure its closure under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act following evidence that it had become a magnet for Class A drug use and supply. Residents described constant visitors, open drug use, loud disturbances and violence, leaving many locals reluctant to leave their homes.
The council has publicised its intervention in an update on its licensing regime. In its first three years it has seen:
- 40,385 licences granted;
- 9,024 inspections completed;
- 295 Category 1 hazards and 1,740 category 2 hazards identified;
- 21 Civil Penalty Notices served for licence breaches;
- 14 criminal prosecutions for non-compliance; and
- 1,029 previously unlicensed properties identified and licensed under the scheme.
A council spokesperson says: “This is a brilliant example of how our landlord licensing scheme drives up the quality of rented homes in Liverpool and fosters community cohesion. We want people to know they should have safe, high standards within their homes and communities, and we can work with landlords help them stay compliant with their licence conditions, with improved properties.”
A Merseyside Police spokesperson adds: “This partnership between Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council is a powerful example of how we can protect our communities and restore neighbourhoods affected by drug-related harm and anti-social behaviour. The swift and decisive action taken at the property brought immediate relief to local residents and sent a clear message: criminal activity will not be tolerated.”
