Rented property in Toxteth associated with crime closed down

Liverpool City Council and Merseyside Police have successfully closed down a rented property associated with drug dealing, child exploitation and anti-social behaviour.

The closure notice was granted at Liverpool Magistrates Court under the ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014 on Wednesday 17 April.

The issues were uncovered during a survey of the local community by the Council's Private Sector Housing team in January.

Details of drug dealing, child exploitation, loud parties and violence linked to a property at 61 Geraint Street, L8 were reported.

Drug dealing was occurring regularly outside and inside the property, with a flow of buyers coming and going throughout the day and night. The smell of cannabis was persistent in the street, and used drug paraphernalia discarded outside.

Young men believed to be involved in County Lines drug activity were present as well as groups of young girls, who also visited the address for long periods.

With the escalation of anti-social behaviour at the property, a warrant was executed, a man was arrested and safeguarding action was taken in relation to the young people.

The Council and Merseyside Police have subsequently been working to secure the closure notice. The property will remain closed until late May.

Residents have expressed their relief and no issues have occurred on the street since.

The owner of the property now plans to renovate it for it to become a family home.

Louise Harford, interim Director of Housing, said: "We are really pleased that we have been able to secure this closure order, bringing to an end the misery the local community had been suffering.

"This case is a really good example of the work our Private Sector Housing team is now doing in our communities, working alongside colleagues and partner organisations such as Merseyside Police, listening to residents' concerns and then acting upon the information received.

"I'd urge anyone who is encountering similar issues to report their concerns to us in confidence, via our website, so we can look into it."

Constable Sean Sheldon from Merseyside Police, who worked on the case, said: "This closure will break the cycle and make others aware that this address will no longer be used as a drugs den and place for children to be exploited."

If you have issues in your area, you can report issues of Anti-Social Behaviour to Liverpool City Council here: https://liverpool.gov.uk/housing/report-housing-standards-and-conditions/private-housing-conditions/.

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