A disused restaurant that was occupied with squatters in Stratford has been served with a closure notice following complaints of prostitution and drug use.
On April 1, officers from Newham’s Problem Solving Team obtained a three month closure of D’flava Caribbean restaurant, in Leytonstone Road, after local business owners and residents complained of anti social behaviour.
One person claimed that they had seen “prostitutes come and go from the address and drugs are being taken within the premises”, while another said they had seen “used needles in the street by the front door”.
One complainant added: “I am scared for my safety; you don’t know what state they are in or what they have on them.”
The order was served on the squatters last Wednesday and sixteen people found inside the building were removed.
These included a 30-year-old man who was arrested for being wanted on a recall to prison and another 30-year-old man was also arrested for failing to attend a drug assessment appointment.
The building has now been securely boarded up.
Sergeant Alistair Hudson, from Newham Police, said: “This closure will provide respite for local residents and business owners who suffered from the anti-social behaviour committed by those frequenting the squat.
“I would like to thank Newham Council for securing the property, despite it not being their responsibility.”
The building was closed under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 - Section 76 and secured by Newham Council.
In the last year, Newham’s problem Solving Team has closed down 20 drug addresses.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here