Flat shut down over parcel theft and drug dealing

The door to the flat has been secured with steel security screens

A flat that became a magnet for disorder has been shut down after neighbours were subjected to anti-social behaviour including drug dealing, knife crime, people throwing dog faeces and stealing parcels.

People close to the flat at King Water Apartments in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, described living in a climate of fear with people also seen urinating and defecating in communal areas.

Now nobody can access the one-bed property for three months while the landlord seeks re-possession, after Manchester Magistrates' Court granted a full closure order.

The order was requested following reports of violence involving knives and hammers related to the collection of drug debts and claims of drugs being sold there, Trafford Council said.

The authority said the court was satisfied the third floor flat had been "the source of disorderly, offensive or criminal behaviour and serious nuisance to members of the public".

Persistent problems

Residents also reported people using their balconies to climb up to the property.

Attempts to engage with the tenant and persuade them to moderate their behaviour and that of their guests were ignored.

A partial closure was also granted for a flat nearby on Lucy Street, frequented by the same visitors, with entry barred to anyone other than the tenant.

Rose Thompson, the council's executive member for communities and safety, said the closure order reflected the "continued commitment to protecting communities from persistent anti-social behaviour".