Oswestry housing team wins award
An operation to protect vulnerable tenants from drug dealers has won a national award.
The Resolve Anti-Social Behaviour best project award when to Operation Whistle, a project by Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing (STAR Housing) in conjunction with West Mercia police in Oswestry.
An intelligence led joint operation tackled the County Lines drug dealing and cuckooing in the town - the practice of organised crime gangs taking over a property lived in by vulnerable tenants using fear and often their addiction to drugs to make the tenants conform and allow drug dealing from the property.
There were monthly reviews on 10 properties considered most vulnerable to Cuckooing with the residents asked to co-operate and allow STAR Housing and/or West Mercia Police to call at the property anytime.
They were also asked to display a notice stating they were at risk of eviction.
"The two year project culminated in obtaining a closure order on a property in Oswestry that was causing significant problems to the local community," STAR housing neighbourhoods manger, Martin Whitelegg said.
"We were first alerted to the worrying rise in drug dealing around Oswestry in 2016, and learned of one property in particular that was suspected to be involved in cuckooing. The anti-social behaviour taking place was severely damaging the community.
"Neighbours had to deal with drug paraphernalia being left outside and the late night, noisy visits from drug users."
Warning letters were ignored a closure order on the property was obtained and the inhabitants evicted. Shropshire Recovery Partnership offered help to anyone suffering with drug addiction.
Mr Whitelegg said: “I am delighted that STAR housing won the award. This recognises our commitment to work with our partners to deal with the drug problems blighting our communities and the quality of life of our tenants.”
