Properties boarded up in drugs crackdown

A number of properties in a Leicestershire town have been boarded as part of an operation to tackle drug dealing, a council has said.

Melton Borough Council said it successfully applied to magistrates for five closure orders on Wednesday.

It said the move had been part of a collaboration with Leicestershire Police to disrupt county lines drug dealing and prevent anti-social behaviour.

Properties in Swan Street, New Street and Greenslade have been sealed, and anyone who tries to enter them in the next three months could face arrest.

Magistrates in Leicester also granted the partial closure of another property in Greenslade, which means only the tenant is allowed to enter.

The court also extended a temporary closure order for another property in New Street.

Melton police commander Insp Darren Richardson said: "In recent months we've received several reports concerning drug activity and antisocial behaviour at a number of addresses.

"We understand that such behaviour can have a significant impact on the lives and wellbeing of our community and it's completely unacceptable.

"By taking necessary action we've been able to prevent this behaviour from continuing."

Chairman of the Melton Safer Communities Partnership Sarah Cox said: "We hope these closure orders send a strong message that we will take swift action to disrupt and tackle these issues, ensuring we protect our vulnerable residents from these gangs."

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