Press Release

Finsbury Park Safer Neighbourhood Team has closed a crack house in the Andover Estate, N7.

August 2008

The closure follows a police raid at a flat in Allerton Walk on 23rd May 2008. During the raid officers found evidence of Class A drug use and supply including crack bottles, pipes and foil littered all over the flat.

When police spoke to local residents many voiced concerns about activity at the flat and the associated nuisance and disorder. Some residents were so fearful and distressed they were willing to provide statements to the Court.

The Closure Order was granted at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on 1st August 2008. The order stipulates that no one is allowed inside the address for the next three months. Anyone who goes inside will be arrested.

The landlord, Homes for Islington, has secured the flat and initiated legal action to repossess the property.

Sergeant Chris Walsh from Finsbury Park Safer Neighbourhood Team said:

“Residents of Allerton Walk were very disturbed by the on goings at this address. For 24 hours a day it was occupied by drug addicts and prostitutes who all too often would spill out of the flat at six in the morning. Since the closure we have received positive feedback from residents and the area is much quieter.”

Doug Goldring, Director of Operations from Homes for Islington said:

“We are determined to ensure that Islington’s residents can live in peace and not have their lives blighted by drugs. We are working with the police and the council to tackle the problem. It is good news for local residents that this flat has been closed and we will now ensure that it is re-allocated to a family who need it.”

There have been 10,000 fewer victims of crime in Islington compared to four years ago.