Visitor ban at New Forest flats after drug dealing complaints
The partial closure orders for Fraser Court and Somerville Court prevent anyone except the tenant and authorised people going into the properties for the next three months. If they do, they will be committing a criminal offence and can be arrested.Katie, whose name we have changed to protect her identity, explains she lives nearby but has friends in the blocks affected."They've had car windows smashed in, there's often broken glass outside and there's always people running in and out of the block at all hours of the day and night". A passing dog walker says she never walks on the estate later in the evening. "I'm immune to how scary it is now, but I would not let me kids out after a certain time," she tells me. "I'm not sure this closure thing makes a difference though, as I've already seen people dealing drugs through the window now".
Councillor Steve Davies, portfolio holder for housing at New Forest District Council, said: "No one should have to live with fear or ongoing disruption in their home or neighbourhood."This order has been put in place to protect residents and bring peace back to the area".Another man, who doesn't want to give his name, says there is a tension on the estate because of drug dependency: "If they can't get their fix, they get angry and then you've got several people abusing alcohol."There's a lot of strain, people in poverty, it's the mix which creates the issue but I just keep myself to myself."The closure orders rely on residents reporting any breach to Hampshire police via 101 or an online form. Hampshire Police's Antisocial Behaviour Tactical Advisor for the West, PC Rachel Gallimore, said: "These addresses have been a blight on the local community and we simply won't tolerate this type of behaviour and offending."Meanwhile Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's ASB lead, Chief Inspector Marcus Cator, said: "I'm pleased to say that thanks to joint working with key partners and local officers, we have been able to secure a total of 64 closure orders across both counties since 2021 – with 45 of them being granted in the last two years."Notices have been posted on the doors about extra patrols in the area, that residents say they have witnessed.The council added it would be asking for views from residents on the Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy to help shape how it responds in the future.
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