'Drug den' near Walsall town centre cleared out in joint operation
The site was cleared as part of a joint operation between Walsall Council and West Midlands Police
A coordinated operation by Walsall Council and West Midlands Police has cleared a “drug den” and anti-social behaviour hotspot at a car park on Midland Road, near Walsall town centre.
The operation was organised after concerns were raised by locals over the condition of the site and criminal activity taking place there.
The operation on June 30 saw the authority’s Rough Sleepers Team visit the site ahead of time, engaging with anyone sleeping rough and offering advice and directing them to support services.
Following the visit, an enforcement notice was issued, ordering the landowner to clear the site; however, after it wasn’t carried out, Walsall Council used its powers to carry out the work.
During the operation, waste and items contributing to the anti-social behaviour were removed, including a sofa bed, mattress, tables, bedding, food waste and drug paraphernalia.
The council confirmed that the costs of clearing the location will be recovered from the landowner.
Councillor Ian Benton, portfolio holder for street scene and enforcement, said: “No one should have to live or work next to locations that become hotspots for drug misuse, fly-tipping or other anti-social behaviour.
"Before any enforcement action was taken, our Rough Sleepers Team engaged with those at the site and offered support to help them access the services available.
“At the same time, we have worked with our partners to ensure that landowners meet their responsibilities and that areas which attract criminal or anti-social behaviour are dealt with quickly.”
The landowner was also served with a Community Protection Warning, requiring them to enforce measures to prevent the site from becoming a focus for anti-social behaviour in the future.
Inspector Jon Butler, neighbourhood policing and problem-solving manager at the Walsall Local Policing Association, said: “Working closely with our partners, including Walsall Council, we have tackled an issue which had a detrimental impact on those living and working in the area.
“Our town centre team will continue to work together with our partners to tackle issues of crime and anti-social behaviour.”