MAGISTRATES have granted a three-month extension to a Crack House Closure Order at a house in Suttonfield, Bordon. The extension was granted at 57 Suttonfield by magistrates, under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, last Monday, June 23. The order means that no one can use the property for a further three months. During this time, it is a criminal offence for anyone to enter the house, unless authorised by the police. The property's owner, Drum Housing Association, has applied to the county court to take possession of the property. Pc Teresa Webster, the Safer Neighbourhoods beat manager for the area, said: "The extension of this order sends out a clear message that drug abuse will not be tolerated in our community. "The support of the local community was fundamental in the granting of this order in the first place. "No one should have to put up with this kind of behaviour in their neighbourhood, and it is very gratifying to hear the positive comments made by residents following the closure, and the fact they feel this has transformed the area into one which parents feel safe letting their children play in. "It has sent out a clear message that residents, with the support of their housing association and the police, will not put up with this behaviour and those who commit these sorts of offences will be dealt with robustly. "I would encourage anyone who has been suffering from anti-social behaviour of this kind to come forward and let us know." Jacci Price, Drum's area housing manager, said: "Drum Housing Association works closely and, as this case demonstrates, effectively with Hampshire Constabulary to fight anti-social or criminal behaviour. This type of activity affects all those living in the community, not just Drum residents. "If we are to continue to deal with unacceptable behaviour, people must feel able to make a complaint, confident that we will work together to make neighbourhoods safer and more pleasant places to live in."
