Legal action taken to protect vulnerable Ashford woman from drug dealers

Ashford Borough Council has taken legal action to safeguard a 57-year-old vulnerable woman who was being taken advantage of by people suspected of using her home to deal drugs and commit anti-social behaviour.

The council successfully applied to Folkestone Magistrates Court for a three month closure order on the tenant’s council home which prohibits anyone from entering with the exception of the tenant, who will continue to live there, four named family members, council staff, health and care professionals, and police officers.

The court heard that the council’s housing team became concerned that the woman was being exploited by people suspected of using her home to deal drugs. Neighbours also complained of ant-social behaviour linked to the property. Rent arrears grew and during visits, council staff noticed that the tenant’s mental and physical condition had deteriorated.

Kent Police had also been called to the property on several occasions, when a number of people had to be removed. The tenant appeared to have no control over who was visiting the address or their disruptive and anti-social behaviour, the court were told.

Ashford Borough Council has secured the court order under the ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and brought the proceedings supported by Kent Police.

The effect of the closure order is that the tenant can use this to refuse access to any visitors to her home and enables her to call the police if these people do not listen. Anyone who is found by the police to be in the flat who are not authorised to be there are committing a criminal offence, and if found guilty are liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for up to 51 weeks or a fine.

A spokesman for Ashford Borough Council’s housing team said officers, supported by health and care professionals, are now working with the vulnerable woman to support her and “help her get back on her feet”.

“This underlines that we have a zero-tolerance approach towards this sort of behaviour. This property has been the root of persistent problems and nuisance to neighbours, with people visiting at all hours, drug dealing, and causing noise and intimidation.

“These issues make people’s lives a misery and we hope the outcome of this case will reassure our communities that we do not tolerate it and we will respond with appropriate action. If you are affected by the illegal activities of another resident resulting in anti-social behaviour, then do not suffer in silence. Tell us about it. You can use our Report It service on our website or report your concerns to the police. With your help we can take action against the offenders.”

Kent Police say people can contact them by calling 101, or 999 if a crime is taking place, or online at www.kent.police.uk/services/report-a-crime or you can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.