Complaints of drug dealing and damage sees police restrict public access to area of Wisbech

Access to part of a town has been restricted following concerns about drug use and damage to homes.

Neighbourhood officers have shut off access to some open space in Wisbech after successfully applying for a closure order at Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday last week.

It covers areas from 1 to 27 West Street (including 1A, 2A, 3A), 1 to 32 Onyx Court, 1 to 16 John Thompson Road, as well as the adjoining land, communal areas, pathways, private car parking spaces and outside space up to the boundary of the public highway.

This means that public access is banned at all times with the exception of those living there, their visitors, emergency services, employees of Clarion Housing Association, and anyone working for Fenland District Council until August 7, when the order expires.

Those who do not comply run the risk of being jailed for up to three months, receiving a fine, or both.

PC Nicola Coaker, from the Wisbech Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We applied for this order in response to residents’ concerns about drug dealing and use in communal areas, as well as damage caused to doors and windows in order for people to gain access to the building.

“I hope this action provides them with the reassurance that we’re listening to them and trying to improve the issues.

“Throughout the duration of the order, we will conduct regular checks and take action against anyone found breaching the order.”