Solihull Council tenant with carer needs kicked out of high-rise flat after cannabis grow found

A tenant who has carer needs has been kicked out of their flat after a cannabis grow was discovered by police. Solihull Community Housing (SCH) – which manages Solihull Council’s housing service – was granted a partial closure order on a flat at 11 storey Keble House, Chelmsley Wood, following a hearing at Birmingham Magistrates Court, yesterday, Thursday, October 31.

West Midlands Police found 40 cannabis plants, substantial cultivation set up, equipment to extract the smell of the cannabis plants and heating lamps at the property on Moat Croft on May 24. Officers also found multiple deal bags and two weighing scales, which they linked to "intent to supply."

The partial closure order prohibits anyone, with the exception of those named on the order – the tenant, his carer, people working for Solihull Council, SCH or the Emergency Services and contractors - from remaining in, returning to, or entering the premises for three months. No friends, family or other visitors can remain in, return to or enter the premises.

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The council said that breaches the order commits an offence. If found guilty of an offence they are liable to imprisonment and/or a fine. Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Mark Parker, said: “SCH tenants deserve to live safely and without fear of criminal activity so I am pleased that we have successfully brought a case of this nature to court and secured a partial closure order.

“If any tenant thinks that criminal or anti-social behaviour is taking place in their area, I’d urge them to contact SCH or the Police. You will be listened to, we will treat your complaints confidentially and we may be able to take action as we have been able to with this tenant.”

SCH chief executive Fiona Hughes said: “We will not tolerate any form of illegal drug activity in our properties. It is strictly against the law and is also against the terms of our Tenancy Agreement. We are committed to doing all we can to keep residents safe in their homes and we will immediately act in conjunction with Solihull Council and West Midlands Police to achieve a positive result for our communities.” To make a complaint about anti-social or criminal behaviour in SCH properties, please contact the dedicated Anti-Social Behaviour Hotline on 0121 717 1500.

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