Flats 'at the centre of drug dealing' shut down

Teesside Magistrates' Court granted the closure orders for the flats on Headlam Court, in Tilery

Two flats suspected of being at the centre of "round-the-clock" drug dealing and antisocial behaviour have been shut down.

Teesside Magistrates' Court granted the closure orders against the two Stockton-on-Tees properties, both on Headlam Court, in Tilery.

Stockton Borough Council said residents had been concerned about crime in the area including violence and fights involving machetes.

The council and Cleveland Police secured the orders, which ban anyone from entering the properties for three months.

Councillor Norma Stephenson, who is responsible for community safety, said the "shocking activities" had "made residents' lives a misery, and they've had enough".

The area's neighbourhood policing team said drugs were being sold from the front window of one of the flat's and "passed from one address to another".

Peace to residents

A police raid earlier this month recovered knives and led to three arrests.

Both properties are managed by housing association Thirteen Group which "fully supported the closure orders".

Stephenson added: "I'm very pleased these closure orders will bring some peace to the neighbourhood and allow residents to live a normal life and not in fear.

"I hope this sends the message that this kind of behaviour will absolutely not be tolerated in our communities."