Order protecting vulnerable Ashford woman from drug dealers is extended

A court has granted an extension to a closure order taken out by Ashford Borough Council 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.

In October 2024 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 continues 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 amid complaints by neighbours of anti-social behaviour. Rent arrears grew and council staff noticed that the tenant’s mental and physical condition had deteriorated.

Kent Police had 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 in October.

Ashford Borough Council secured the court order under the ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and brought the proceedings supported by Kent Police. The order means the tenant can use it to refuse access to any visitors and enables her to call the police if they don’t listen. Anyone who is found by the police to be in the flat who are not authorised 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, have been supporting the vulnerable woman to “help her get back on her feet”.

However some unwanted visitors have continued to turn up at the woman’s home, and although the tenant has complied with the court order and refused them access, the council has secured a three month extension to the closure order, until 27 April 2025, to provide further protection for her.

“This underlines that we have a zero-tolerance approach towards this sort of behaviour. In the past 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 don’t suffer in silence. 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 via the Kent Police website or you can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.