'This behaviour won't be tolerated': Troublesome tenants evicted and flat shut down after bad behaviour
Law-abiding residents reported drug dealing in the area
Two tenants at a block of flats near Walsall town centre are facing eviction and one dwelling has been closed down after drug dealing and prostitution activity at the property.
A closure order has been granted prohibiting access to one of the flats and two eviction notices served on the tenants involved at The Heritage, in Wednesbury Road, following complaints from other residents who have been putting up with drug use among other anti-social behaviour issues.
West Midlands Police said it has taken action to resolve the issues working in partnership with the building’s owner, social housing landlord GreenSquareAccord, and Walsall Council. The council has now installed CCTV cameras close to the location which is near the roundabout off Vicarage Place and Bradford Street.
Officers from the force’s Problem Solving and Priorities Team linked up with St Matthew’s officers as well as partners from Walsall Council and the landlord to tackle the issues.
Inspector Jon Butler, Walsall’s neighbourhood policing and problem solving manager, said: “We understand the impact anti-social behaviour has on residents and communities.
“We received a lot of reports from members of the public complaining about issues with crime and anti-social behaviour at the site and working alongside our partners we have taken action.
“This kind of behaviour simply won’t be tolerated. We are committed to continuing this joint effort until residents see a lasting improvement.”
Councillor Ian Benton, portfolio holder for street scene and enforcement at Walsall Council, said: "The issues at The Heritage have had a significant impact on residents for far too long, and I'm pleased to see the positive progress being made through this partnership approach.
"This is an excellent example of organisations working together to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour and criminality. By combining enforcement action with support for those who need it, we're helping to make the area safer for residents and sending a clear message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.”
The flats were developed on the site of the former Walsall General Sister Dora Hospital which closed in 1989 when accident and emergency services relocated to Walsall Manor Hospital.