Solihull Community Housing (SCH) – which manages Solihull Council’s housing service – was granted a Closure Order by Birmingham Magistrates Court on 20 September in response to anti-social behaviour and criminality, included drug use and dealing, at a property in Marcos Drive, Smiths Wood.
The tenant did not attend the hearing which was heard in their absence. The Closure Order prohibits the tenant from entering the property for three months.
Following a police warrant at the property on Marcos Drive on 10 August, a large amount of cannabis was found and seized.
The granted closure order allows Mandatory Possession which SCH now intend to make an application for.
SCH Chief Executive, Fiona Hughes, said: “We will not tolerate any form of illegal drug activity in our properties. It is strictly against the law and is also against the terms of our Tenancy Agreement.
"We are committed to doing all we can to keep residents safe and well in their homes. When we hear of crimes such as this taking place, we will immediately act in conjunction with Solihull Council and West Midlands Police to achieve a positive result for our communities."
Cllr Mark Parker, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “I’m really pleased that after months of hard work by SCH officers, Solihull Council’s legal team and West Midlands Police, we have successfully brought this case to court and secured a Closure Order which prohibits Mr O’Hare from living in one of our properties.
“Our law-abiding tenants deserve to live safely in the community. I would urge any of our tenants who think that criminal and anti-social behaviour is taking place in their area to contact SCH or the Police. You will be listened to. We will treat your complaints confidentially and we may be able to take action as we have been able to with this tenant.”
The Closure Order prohibits anyone, with the exception of those named on the order - people working for Solihull Council, SCH or the Emergency Services - from remaining in, returning to, or entering the premises for a period of three months.
Anyone that breaches the order commits an offence and can be arrested. If found guilty of an offence, they are liable to imprisonment and/or a fine.
To make a complaint about anti-social or criminal behaviour in SCH properties, please contact the dedicated Anti-Social Behaviour Hotline on 0121 717 1500.