A CRACKHOUSE has been closed as police continue their battle against drug use.

Paul Beevers, of 69 Dent Street, Hartlepool, was ordered to vacate the premises, which will be boarded up for three months, after magistrates agreed the closure order.

Sergeant John Hemsworth, of Hartlepool police, said: “Officers have acted on information passed by the local community and this has led to the successful closure of another address.

“The address was linked to unlawful drugs use and antisocial behaviour, and despite warnings given to the resident, these activities continued.

“This closure is yet another step in the right direction in the battle against unlawful drug activity in Hartlepool and forms part of the strategy to tackle drugs problems within the town.

“We will continue to evict residents who blight the lives of people in their local community and further addresses will be robustly targeted and ultimately closed down through court action.”