The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Visitors are being limited to a home in Severn Road, Spalding amid reports the occupant was being exploited to house illegal activities, including drug dealing.
A Partial Closure Order lasting three months has been issued against the property meaning only the occupant and key workers can enter it.
South Holland District Council say its believed the tenant is a victim of cuckooing, a process where criminals take over someone else’s property to carry out illegal activity.
It followed neighbours reporting anti-social and abusive behaviour from visitors attending the address.
A district council spokesman said: “Following reports by residents South Holland District Council, in partnership with Lincolnshire Police, has secured a Partial Closure Order for an address on Severn Road in Spalding.
“The order, awarded in court last month, was given after the council received reports that the property was being used for illegal activity, including drug dealing, with neighbours experiencing anti-social and abusive behaviour from those visiting the address.
“There were concerns that the tenant of the property was being exploited by those committing these actions, which is what led the council’s Community Safety team, with the assistance of housing as well as the police, to seek the three-month order.
“This allows for the tenant to remain in the property, and for any key workers who need to visit in the course of their duties to access it. Anyone else visiting during this period will be committing an offence if they are found to have entered the home.”
The Voice has previously reported on neighbours’ concerns over crime in the area.
Councillor Gary Taylor, portfolio holder for communities and facilities, said: “I welcome this important decision by the Court, and would like to thank our council officers and those from the Police for their quick, pro-active action to help keep our residents safe while a long-term solution is found.
“I am pleased that we have been able to secure this order, and hope that it shows the importance of reporting any anti-social behaviour to us in the District, so that we can investigate and take appropriate steps to put an end to it as soon as possible.”
