Press Release

Full Possession of 45 Catherall Road, N5

June 2009

On 11 June 2009 at Clerkenwell County Court, after months of evidence gathering, an address used as a drugs den in Islington has been closed permanently.

The closure order follows a police raid at 45 Catherall Road, N5 on 29th April 2008 when drugs paraphernalia was found and seized.

Drug dealing, anti-social behaviour, motor vehicle crime, burglary and robbery were all problems associated with 45 Catherall Road, N5. The Highbury East Safer Neighbourhood Teams worked hard with Homes for Islington to provide statements and information to support their case for a full possession order.

When the original closure order was made in October 2008, there was a marked decrease in crime in Catherall Road. Police and Homes for Islington successfully applied for extensions until they were granted the full eviction order.

Sergeant Colin Francis from the Highbury East Safer Neighbourhoods Team said: “Closing this drugs den is a triumph for police and local residents. There should be no more drug dealing, crime or antisocial behaviour at this address.

“Highbury East Safer Neighbourhoods team listened to local residents’ concerns and worked tirelessly for over a year to gain enough evidence to make this application successful. We are sending out a clear message that we will do whatever it takes to remove drugs from our streets.”

Doug Goldring, Director of Operations at Homes for Islington said: “This is great news for local residents. This shows working together with local people and the Police we can fight crime and antisocial behaviour. The message should be clear we will not tolerate drugs and crime on Islington’s estates.”

ENDS