Last updated 07:18, Friday, 05 September 2008

A MARYPORT woman has been evicted from her house after residents complained about her “drugs den”.

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CLOSED: PCSO Hannah Donaughee puts a police closure notice on the crack house at Moorside Drive, Maryport

The house, on Moorside Drive, Ewanrigg, was closed by Derwent and Solway Housing Association yesterday after police received a number of complaints from residents.

Specialist equipment needed to be brought up from Manchester to clean the property after it was left in a terrible state.

One Moorside resident said: “It was murder when she was living in there. We were often kept awake until 4am with loud noise coming from the house.

“There were always groups of people there and it was scary. The place was a drugs den.

“I didn’t feel safe walking out of my front door because they would watch you. It was very unnerving.

“However, now we have had three weeks of peace and it has been great. This area has a bad reputation but it is no worse than other areas.”

The eviction comes as part of the Respect Your Community campaign run by Cumbria police.

Lorraine Murphy, of Maryport police’s community team, outlined the complaints police had received.

She said: “Residents had reported illegal drug activity and criminal damage taking place in the property, which we had to look into.

“They also told us about large numbers of visitors to the premises, who made excessive levels of noise and rowdiness.

“Some residents were even threatened with assault.

“This kind of behaviour is not acceptable and we are warning nuisance neighbours to behave or be homeless.”

Inspector George Nevins added: “The issues at this address showed a total lack of respect for the premises, neighbours and the local community.

“This type of activity is unwarranted and will not be tolerated.”

Derwent and Solway said they had no option but eviction, which took place on August 17, but insisted they had worked hard with the police to solve the problems at the house and had given the woman support.

The property will now be closed for a month.

Police also urge anyone who is suffering from antisocial behaviour in the neighbourhood to get in touch.

Ms Murphy said: “Nobody should be suffering in silence and we want to help stamp out this kind of behaviour.”

Call police on 0845 3300247.