A COLLABORATIVE approach to tackling drug-dealing hubs within Barnsley’s social housing stock is being taken to boost law-abiding residents’ confidence.
Tenants suspected of being involved with drugs could have their contracts ripped up if they are found to be guilty, with Berneslai Homes vowing to work alongside South Yorkshire Police following successful operations at Strawberry Gardens, Royston, Hillside, Brierley and Stacey Crescent in Grimethorpe.
Residents on those streets reported cocaine and heroin dealing and, when the authorities stepped in, with each being adopted as a policing priority, some tenancies were terminated as a result.
A spokesman from Berneslai Homes said: “We, as the managing agent of Barnsley Council’s housing stock, have comprehensive policies and procedures to ensure that tenants are able to sustain their tenancies. This is achieved through both enforcement and support where needed.
“This is through partnership working involving the Safer Neighbourhood Service and South Yorkshire Police.
“While the majority of tenants do abide within the terms of their tenancy agreement, where issues are identified we work collaboratively with our partners to ensure we use the most appropriate tools to address these.
“This can include legal action under the terms of their tenancy agreement to the police taking action depending on the most appropriate action to address their behaviour.”
Barnsley’s four policing teams - which each have a sergeant, several PCs, up to ten PCSOs and a team of council staff including tasking and enforcement officers - now deal with street-level complaints such as antisocial behaviour.
Issues can be escalated up to case management basis if it’s deemed the problem requires more intervention, such as drug-related concerns, where the multi-agency approach comes into force.
Inspector Andrew Norton, who oversees hubs located in the town centre, Goldthorpe, Kendray and Royston, said: “The benefits of having a tiered approach means the local policing teams across Barnsley can focus on issues such as antisocial behaviour.
“This targeted approach, and having tiers to best cope, has been focused in order to make best use of the resources we do have.
“In the last year we have been able to deal with many cases by issuing things such as closure orders on problem properties, which mean anyone who has no reason to be there could face prosecution.
“Reducing risks boosts the public’s confidence and ultimately cuts the demand on teams.”
