Great Yarmouth Borough Council secures closure order after drugs raid at flat

Great Yarmouth Borough Council sought the order following the police operation at Louise Close on April 20 - where three people were arrested.

At a hearing at the town's magistrates' court on May 15, the council's social landlord team and Norfolk Police said the flat had become a hotspot for serious criminal behaviour.

After hearing the evidence, magistrates granted the full closure order, which means no one - including the tenant - can enter the flat for three months. Breaching the order is a criminal offence and can result in a prison sentence of up to 51 weeks and an unlimited fine.

The council said its social landlord team worked closely with Norfolk Police to bring the legal case, adopting a coordinated multi‑agency approach to protect the community and prevent further harm.

It said tenants will not be permitted to remain in council homes where there is evidence of serious crime or disorder linked to the address, and that firm action will always be taken to safeguard the wider community.

Councillor Graham Plant, portfolio holder for Operational Property and Asset Management at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: ''Our teams are working hard to ensure residents have safe communities. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and, wherever possible, we will take action against those responsible.

''Successfully securing this order was important and sends out a message that our social landlord service teams and Norfolk Police will work hard to make sure our town is safe and welcoming. People in Great Yarmouth want a place they can be proud of and reassurance that, where there are issues, we will act in their best interests.''

Find out more about community safety in Great Yarmouth and how you can report anti-social behaviour here: www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/article/2073/How-do-I-report-anti-social-behaviour