Drug den closure brings peace to road

By [jcooper]

RESIDENTS living near a former drug den in Barnstaple have told the Journal how much better their lives have been since its closure.

Devon and Cornwall Police were granted a closure application for 3 Poltimore Lawn, in Frankmarsh, in October last year after scores of complaints from residents and frequent police raids.

Tenant Jane Robinson, who admitted being a hard drug-user for 16 years, was evicted from the property and the windows and doors were boarded-up.

The closure was the first in the town and only the second in North Devon and Torridge.

A year on, residents in Poltimore Lawn said the area once dogged by police raids and "undesirable characters" had become a peaceful neighbour-hood once again.

Susan Vickers has lived at 7 Poltimore Lawn for more than 30 years and is glad the previous owners were forced to leave.

She said: "It's much better now — nice and quiet. They used to party all night and I could never sleep."

Another neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "There were people coming and going all the time — real undesirable types too.

"The police were called almost every day and there would often be fights outside the house. I'm glad to see the back of them — it's so much more peaceful."

Alan Isaac, 27, moved into the former crackhouse with his partner and their three children in March this year.

He said: "I knew the history of the house and when we came to have a look round earlier this year all the back windows and doors were smashed.

"It didn't put me off though, I knew those days were over.

"Everyone in the street is very pleasant and I think it's going to be a great place to raise the kids."

Frankmarsh Stores owner and community activist Lesley Brown was instrumental in helping police with the closure.

She said: "After endless complaints from the residents I asked the police and North Devon Homes to hold a public meeting to see what could be done about it. We decided to pursue a closure.

"It was a tough three months for everyone. We had to employ extra staff at the shop for fear of reprisals.

"Although it was difficult to take the first step I would definitely do it again. The issue of drugs has not gone away completely but it is a much nicer area now."

PC Anna Fielding, neighbourhood beat manager for Frankmarsh, added: "The closure has made a massive difference.

"There are still problems but it's amazing how much that one house contributed to drug crime in the area."