A drugs den which has caused misery to people living in an area of Lakenham for years Norwich has been closed down.

Police in Norwich applied for the crack house closure order following complaints about anti-social behaviour and suspected illegal drug activity at the property in Mill Close, off Southwell Road, Lakenham, Norwich.

The order, which was made by PC Natalie Wilson under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, was granted by Norwich Magistrates Court yesterday and means the address, which has been boarded up, will be closed for three months.

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Simon Caddy of Norwich South Safer Neighbourhood Team, who attended the hearing, said: 'I have worked in this area for the past five years and there have been problems associated with this address for a long time, causing misery for other residents.

'Over a period of time warrants have been executed and drugs seized, and we were able to gather sufficient evidence for this order to be made.'

Regular police patrols will ensure that no-one enters the address for the duration of the order.

Norwich Policing Commander, Superintendent Paul Sanford said, 'I hope this action provides some relief and reassurance to members of the community. We would like to use this as a warning to others that drug dealing will not be tolerated.'

The drugs den closure has been welcomed by neighbours. A 29-year-old woman who lives with her partner, 36, and 17-month-old daughter, said people walking past the window 'at all times of night' used to keep their daughter awake.

She said: 'We're so pleased it's finally been sorted. It's a big relief to us.'

Officers visited the property on March 14 when controlled drugs and associated paraphernalia were seized and five people were arrested. A 19-year-old woman from Dereham, a 27-year-old man from Norwich, a 26-year-old man from Norwich and a 33-year-old man of no fixed address were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

A 44-year-old man from Norwich was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and possession of cannabis. All five have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Have you got a neighbourhood problem? Email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk.