Drug dealing, weapons, anti-social behaviour and violence: Problem Hardwick flat closed
A flat at the centre of drug dealing, anti-social behaviour and violent, criminal disorder in Hardwick has been closed down.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, in partnership with Cleveland Police and housing provider My Space Housing Solutions, secured the closure order of 40 High Newham Court, Hardwick, Stockton-on-Tees, yesterday (March 30).
Teesside Magistrates' Court heard that Police and members of the public had witnessed multiple incidents at the flat over several months, including reports of brazen drug dealing during the day via the flat's letterbox, communal doorway and nearby car park, with a stream of people seen and heard visiting the flat at all hours to buy drugs.
When Police attended the property on 9 January 2026, they found a 15-inch machete and large knife concealed under a mattress.
Reports of criminal damage and assaults at the property have been dealt with by Police who also linked a high number of thefts to prolific offenders who have been allowed to use or reside at the address by the occupants.
Members of the public reported they felt intimidated and threatened by the anti-social behaviour, noise and sheer numbers of people attending the flat on foot and bikes to purchase drugs.
Throughout the tenancy the property has been damaged on multiple occasions with the front door and windows smashed and materials attached to doors to create a barricade to prevent access. Both tenants have also failed to engage with services and the landlord, despite being offered support.
The closure order means the tenants must not enter the property and it will be inaccessible to anyone for three months.
Anyone trying to enter the boarded-up property can be prosecuted.
This action is possible due to the on-going multi-agency partnership approach to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in Hardwick.
Councillor Norma Stephenson, the Council's Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: "Residents' lives have been made a misery by these tenants and their visitors, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"Ultimately this anti-social and criminal behaviour is a risk to other tenants, the wider community and the staff who work in the supported housing development.
"People are not sleeping and are fearing for their safety, while many do not want to report what is going on for fear of reprisals.
"I am delighted that this closure order has been secured today as I hope it will boost the wellbeing of the area, help to restore calm and give residents a much-needed respite, given what they have suffered for many months.
"I also hope this closure will send out the message that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities and action will be taken.
"Thank you to our Community Safety Team, who have worked very hard in partnership with Cleveland Police officers and My Space Housing Solutions to secure this closure order."
PC Anthony Wraith, from Stockton's neighbourhood policing team, said: "It's great that we, alongside Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, have been able to successfully take action at this property through the powers of a closure order.
"The occupants, and those visiting, were causing a significant impact to residents including drug dealing and disorder on and near the property.
"Seeking this order and it being implemented will go a long way to prevent this criminality and anti-social behaviour, making it a much safer and better place for the local community."
A Housing Manager from My Space Housing Solutions said: "MySpace Housing Solutions takes our responsibilities as a landlord very seriously and believe that everyone has the right to feel safe in their home. We have worked collaboratively with the Council and police to address the issues at this address, putting in place intensive support and behavioural controls. We fully support the action now being taken, to protect and improve the local community."
