Biggest Ever Closure Order In North West Extended To Six Months

**UPDATE, FRIDAY 7th OCTOBER** Merseyside Police has extended the closure order to a block of flats in Southport following a hearing at South Sefton Magistrates Court yesterday, Thursday 6 October. The extended order was granted for eight flats at 15 Talbot Street, and will now remain in place until 8 January 2017. The orders were originally applied for in July by the local Neighbourhood policing team in response to community intelligence in relation to the supply of drugs. Neighbourhood Inspector Graham Fisher said: "I am delighted that this order has been extended, which is the biggest of its kind in the North West. "We will continue to make every effort to identify and take action against premises linked to drug supply, which can have such a devastating effect on the lives of those living in the area. “I would encourage any members of the community who have any further information on drug dealing and other crime to call us via our 101 number or through Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

**UPDATE 29 SEPTEMBER** Merseyside Police can confirm that a search was completed today, Thursday 29 September, at an address in Talbot Street, Southport after the premises were closed due to the granting of closure order. During the search officers found a quantity of what they believe to be heroin hidden in a wall. The drugs have been seized and an investigation has commenced to trace those responsible. Neighbourhood Inspector Graham Fisher said: “We will continue to act when we receive information from our community in relation to crime and anti-social behaviour. Today’s action highlights that we will make every effort to prevent crime. “These drugs can no longer be sold within our community where they cause harm and misery. “I would encourage any members of the community who have any information to call us via our 101 number or through Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

ORIGINAL Merseyside Police was today, Friday 8 July, granted a closure order for a block of flats in Southport, following reports of drug activity and antisocial behaviour. The order was granted for eight flats at 15 Talbot Street, by South Sefton Magistrates Court, and will remain in place until Saturday 8 October 2016. The orders were applied for by the local Neighbourhood policing team in response to community intelligence in relation to the supply of drugs. Superintendent Dawn McNally said: "By liaising with local councillors and residents evidence was gathered and collated by our officers over a period of time. This was presented to the court and the order was granted. "The complaints received included incidents of anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and drug taking linked to the address and people calling there. "The order was approved in court and means that nobody can visit the address other than the owner. Anyone, other than those specified in the order, found to be on the premises will be subject to arrest. "The order will run for three months and will be reviewed by officers at its conclusion. "I want to assure our communities that we will continue to target offenders and any properties associated with them who continue to cause problems for the community, and will do this using all lawful powers available to us in order to make Sefton a safer and more peaceful place to live. "This closure order was only made possible due to the assistance of the local community, and the hard work and diligence of our officers, and we will continue to be robust in tackling criminal activity and anti-social behaviour. "I would encourage any members of the community who have any information to call us via our 101 number or through Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."