A NOTORIOUS flat used as a hub for the sale of drugs in a town will be unoccupied for three months after evidence of weapons and Class A substances were found there.

Concerned residents reported persistent antisocial behaviour occurring at Flat 2, 34 Northcourt Road in Worthing, leading to police and Adur and Worthing Councils applying for a court order to try and cease drug-dealing activity there.

A joint operation led by the councils, with the help of Sussex Police and Worthing Homes, has led to the first ever Full Closure Order in the area being obtained for the property, stopping anyone from entering the flat for the next three months.

If anyone does enter the property during this time, which is the maximum period currently allowed under law, it will be treated as a criminal offence.

Chief Inspector Miles Ockwell, divisional commander for Worthing, Horsham and Adur for Sussex Police, said: “This is another example of us working in partnership in Worthing to target criminals who are seeking to exploit vulnerable people to facilitate their drug dealing activity.

“This creates harm within our communities and the public can expect to see more of this type of action, alongside police enforcement work such as executing drug warrants and utilising stop and search tactics.”

Police identified the flat as a base for drug activity involving dealers from London and vulnerable young people, which is thought to be part of the county lines network involving criminal gangs in urban areas travelling to smaller towns and manipulating youngsters to sell crack cocaine and heroin.

The councils said several attempts were made to engage in talks with the tenant to put a stop to the problems at the flat.

Councillor Val Turner, Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for health and wellbeing, said: “Drug dealing is becoming an increasing problem across our communities and has a harmful impact on so many of our residents, particularly the young and the vulnerable.

“That’s why it is vital that we work with partners to make it clear that we have a zero tolerance approach.

“We have an excellent track record of working with partners, such as the police and Worthing Homes, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure we crackdown on those responsible for bringing harmful substances onto our streets.”

Worthing Homes attempted to work with the tenant, but it soon became clear that further action needed to be taken.

The closure order, which was obtained under the Anti Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, was heard before Worthing Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, February 15.