Two more flat Closure Orders at Wynyard Mews

The latest orders apply to numbers 5 and 28 Wynyard Mews and are part of Operation Otley, an on-going clampdown on organised drugs activity and anti-social behaviour in the area.

They were obtained at Teesside Magistrates by Hartlepool Borough Council, acting on behalf of the multi-agency Hartlepool Community Safety Team.

Similar orders have previously been granted on three other flats elsewhere within the complex.

It is a criminal offence for anyone to enter or remain in a property covered by a Closure Order unless they have been granted court exemption and a breach is punishable by a fine of up to £5,000, imprisonment of up to 51 weeks or both.

Tony Hanson, Assistant Director (Environment and Neighbourhood Services at Hartlepool Borough Council), said: “This latest order is a further example of the effective partnership working that is taking place in the town following the creation of the Hartlepool Community Safety Team.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work in putting together the case for the latest order, and I hope it helps to reassure law-abiding residents that we are not prepared to tolerate criminal activity.”

Chief Inspector Nigel Burnell who runs the team on a day-to-day basis, said: “This is a warning to people who continue to engage in drugs and other criminal activity that we will pursue them and use the full extent of the legal powers available to us to clampdown on their behaviour.”

Anyone who witnesses a Closure Order being breached should call the police on 999 or they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

The Hartlepool Community Safety Team, which brings together staff from Hartlepool Borough Council, Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire Brigade under one roof at Hartlepool Police Station in Avenue Road, was officially launched last year to ensure a co-ordinated response to crime and disorder issues across the town.

It can be contacted on (01429) 523100 or at community.safety@hartlepool.gov.uk