Joint operation clears town centre 'drug den' following enforcement action
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A coordinated operation involving Walsall Council and West Midlands Police has cleared a privately owned car park in Walsall town centre that had become associated with anti-social behaviour, drug misuse and rough sleeping.
The operation took place on Tuesday 30 June, during Anti-social Behaviour Week, at private land on Midland Road after concerns were raised locally about the condition of the site and the activity taking place there.
Walsall Council's Rough Sleepers Team visited the location ahead of the operation to engage with anyone sleeping rough, offering advice and directing them to support services. Two individuals were asked to leave the site on the day of the operation and were advised where they could access further help.
Following the service of an enforcement notice requiring the landowner to clear the site, and after this was not complied with, Walsall Council used its powers to carry out the work. The costs of the clearance will be recovered from the landowner.
Officers from the council's Community Protection team, Clean & Green services and the St Matthew's neighbourhood policing team worked together to remove waste and items contributing to anti-social behaviour, including a sofa bed, mattresses, tables, bedding, food waste and drug paraphernalia.
“ No one should have to live or work next to locations that become hotspots for drug misuse, fly-tipping or other anti-social behaviour.
"Before any enforcement action was taken, our Rough Sleepers Team engaged with those at the site and offered support to help them access the services available. At the same time, we have worked with our partners to ensure that landowners meet their responsibilities and that areas which attract criminal or anti-social behaviour are dealt with quickly. “
“ Working closely with our partners including Walsall Council we have tackled an issue which had a detrimental impact on those living and working in the area.
“Our town centre team will continue to work together with our partners to tackle issues of crime and anti-social behaviour. “
The landowner has also been served with a Community Protection Warning requiring measures to prevent the site from becoming a focus for anti-social behaviour again.
The area will continue to be monitored by the council's Community Protection and Rough Sleepers teams. Any further encampments or anti-social behaviour will be addressed swiftly through ongoing partnership working.
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