Tackling Drug-Related Harm Through Partnership: How Newcastle’s Safe Living Team Secured Three Closure Orders in a Week
In Newcastle, the Council’s Safe Living Team has taken decisive action against dangerous drug-related activity in the Westgate and Fenham areas, securing three Closure Orders in a single week. Working in close partnership with Northumbria Police, the team responded to serious community concerns and intelligence from housing staff, acting swiftly to safeguard residents and reduce the risks posed by organised criminal activity.
In this case study, we hear from Amy Martin, Safe Living Manager at Newcastle City Council, on how the team responded, what steps were taken, and how the intervention is already having an impact on neighbourhood safety.
Dangerous Labs and Armed Properties: Understanding the Risks
The Safe Living Team received intelligence from housing colleagues and local residents regarding suspected drug activity across several council-managed properties. A subsequent police operation uncovered:
- Cash, weapons, and Class A drugs at two flats in the Westgate area
- A dangerous ‘shatter lab’ used to produce super-strength cannabis in a residential home in Fenham
The shatter lab posed an extreme safety risk, with explosive potential from something as simple as flicking on a light switch. This discovery heightened the urgency for action, not only to prevent further criminal activity but to protect neighbouring residents from the threat of serious harm.
Using Closure Orders to Secure Communities
Following a multi-agency approach to evidence gathering, the Council applied for Closure Orders at magistrates’ court, supported by police partners. All three were granted in full.
These powers, under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, allow the properties to be sealed and cleared of hazardous materials for up to three months while eviction processes are progressed.
This intervention not only removes the immediate risk but sends a clear message to others involved in organised criminality: crime and ASB will not be tolerated in Newcastle’s neighbourhoods.
A Joined-Up Response
The success of this case was grounded in strong partnership working:
- Newcastle City Council’s Safe Living Team: Led evidence gathering, coordinated court applications, and managed community reassurance.
- Northumbria Police: Delivered the operational response, gathered intelligence, and ensured public safety.
Inspector Patrick Hannon of Northumbria Police said:
“No-one should have to put up with drug-dealing and anti-social behaviour on their doorstep. Working with our partners, we’ve taken the necessary steps to get these properties closed and protect the wider community.”
Amy Martin added:
“We’re prepared to do whatever it takes to keep our neighbourhoods safe. This work shows the value of collaboration and decisive action.”
Supporting the Community and Reducing Harm
The closure of these properties has provided much-needed reassurance to residents, many of whom felt unsafe in their own homes. While the Closure Orders are temporary, they represent an essential first step in a wider effort to stabilise the local area and prevent future harm.
Clear communications with affected residents, visible action by housing teams, and continued patrols by police partners are helping to rebuild trust and demonstrate that concerns raised are being heard – and acted upon.
Reflections and Learning
This case offered several important reflections for the Safe Living Team. The strength of the intervention relied heavily on gathering evidence from multiple sources including housing officers, local residents, and police intelligence, to present a compelling case in court. Acting quickly and decisively was key; the ability to escalate the issue and secure court orders at pace helped prevent further harm and disruption in the community. Alongside enforcement, the team maintained clear and proactive communication with local residents, helping to build trust and reassure the public that concerns were being heard and acted upon.
This experience will inform the team’s approach to future interventions, particularly where drug-related activity and organised crime are having a serious impact on the safety and wellbeing of neighbourhoods. Thank you to Amy Martin and the Safe Living Team for sharing this example of impactful partnership working.