Wednesday, 10.30am - ANOTHER slum has been closed in Skegness because it has been used as a drug den and is in such a bad state it is a health hazard.
The rundown flats at 65 Castleton Boulevard were boarded up on Thursday as a result of partnership working between East Lindsey District Council, police and the fire and rescue service.
The flats are owned by John Craig who owns the Angel Guest House, in Grosvenor Road, which was shut down in July by police because it was being used for drug-taking.
That was the first time police had done this in the area, and they had to go through the courts for permission.
The Castleton Boulevard property has not been closed in the same way, but because it is a safety hazard.
Fire fighters in Skegness had to save a woman from a fire there a few weeks ago and, after seeing what a state the building was in – with floorboards and windows missing and drug paraphenalia strewn about – deemed it unsafe.
Station manager Mel Smith issued a prohibition notice forbidding anyone but the owner to stay there.
ELDC environmental health officer David Dodds served a notice on Mr Craig, instructing him to have the premises secure and closed by Wednesday.
Although a padlock was installed and some screws put in some windows, his attempts did not comply with the order and ELDC, with the fire and police, closed the flats the following day.
Sgt Andy Hickinbottom said: "We already had a file ready under the crackhouse legislation, but that is only a temporary closure for six months. What David has done is permanent.
"It's good news, especially for the residents who have been complaining."
Mr Dodds explained: "It will be closed until the owner brings it back to a usable habitable state. There isn't any electricity or water. The sanitation system is broken, and with all the drug-related items hanging around, we wouldn't want anybody getting in there."
The building is in a disgusting state, with mess, litter, syringes and foil strewn all over.
Sgt Hickinbottom confirmed the people staying there were the people who used to hang around at the Angel.
He said: "When we closed the Angel they all came here, so we only succeeded in moving the problem. It's a shame because we do it for the residents, but we don't want to move the problem.
"They are now in and around Skegness, but not all in one place."
Do you think by closing properties like this, people will start to get the message it is not acceptable behaviour? Email us!