A CLOSURE order on a flat in The Fairfield, Farnham, suspected of being used as a crack house has been extended for three months to enable Thames Valley Housing to pursue possession proceedings with a view to ending the tenancy. On December 22, South West Surrey Magistrates' Court granted a drugs closure order under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act on Flat 6, The Elms, following a joint application by Surrey Police and Thames Valley Housing Association. Prior to the order being granted, there had been a high level of antisocial behaviour linked with drug use and supply which was causing considerable distress and nuisance to other tenants and local residents. At the original hearing, evidence included statements from the housing association and the police, who also acted as professional witnesses on behalf of other tenants who felt intimidated and too frightened to give direct statements. Once the closure took place, the property was immediately sealed and the order prevented people from remaining in or entering the property. Police say that the closure brought immediate relief to the area, with no complaints since being received. Since the closure, work has been going on via Thames Valley Housing regarding the flat and tenant. A joint meeting was held between Thames Valley Housing, ACORN, Waverley Borough Council and Farnham Police. The tenant was invited to part of this meeting but failed to attend. Consequently, a decision was made by the housing association to pursue possession proceedings with a view to ending the tenancy. The closure order was due to expire on March 22 and Farnham neighbourhood sergeant, Pam Jessopp, laid a complaint last Friday to Guildford Magistrates that a full extension of a further three months should be granted on the flat to allow for this proceeding to take place. Sgt Jessopp said: "This extension was sought as there have been no signs that the problems have been satisfactorily addressed by the tenant to ensure that the same pattern does not re-occur. "There were real concerns that the property would return to its former use of drug activity and associated serious disorder and nuisance. We need to continue to take action to curtail this type of activity, especially as it was bringing such fear and misery to other local residents. The tenant, although engaging at a certain level, is not taking responsibility even with support structures in place." She added: "As of last Friday, the magistrates have granted the full three-month extension that they are permitted to do. This hopefully will now allow time to carry out other proceedings so that Flat 6 can once again be used residentially. "The supply and use of drugs from residential properties has emerged as a major cause of harm to communities and has a negative impact on community life. It was really important for us to be able to use this power which has enabled us to take effective and positive action." The closure order was originally obtained after five people were arrested in connection with possession of Class A and class C drugs in December last year. The suspects are still on bail.
