POLICE have shut down a fifth “crack house” drugs den in an area of Blackburn in just a year.

Officers posted notices on the home in Hancock Street, Bank Top, yesterday ordering the closure following a series of complaints dating back almost 18 months.

Residents said that a constant stream of drug users were buying heroin and other class A drugs from the property at all hours of the day and through the night.

Police said yesterday’s action, which follows closures in Fawcitt Close, Heatley Close and two in East Street since April last year, showed that the problem was being taken seriously.

But officers said that problems in Bank Top were no worse than any other part of Blackburn, despite the number of drugs dens closed.

PC Chris Hammill said: “The high turnover of tenants at the property and the chaotic lifestyle of those who live there have caused great concern to residents.

“The complaints have been made by residents about anti-social behaviour and suspected drug use.

“There have been a large number of police incidents in the past three months and the behaviour of those living at the property has been causing problems for 18 months.

”One of our biggest problems is that as a local officer it has been almost impossible to say who lives at the house and that is why the closure order has been posted on the property.”

Residents on the street said the property was due to be demolished as part of the Elevate housing renewal scheme in April.

Officers will now go to court tomorrow (weds) to secure a three-month closure of the property in a bid to stop all drug dealing related to the terraced house.

The closure order comes just a month after a series of drugs raids took place at properties in Hancock Street. Police found needles and signs of heroin abuse at that time.

One local resident, who asked not to be named, said: “There’s been problems in the street for years and that house in particular has been a nightmare.

“They’re due to pull the street down in a month so it seem like a funny time to close the house down. I’m glad they’re doing something though.”