A ‘CRACK house’ suspected as one of the worst for drug dealing in Burnley has been closed by police.

Officers said they believed drug addicts had visited the property in Waterbarn Street to buy heroin and crack cocaine up to 15 times a day.

As part of the operation police told Reedley magistrates that ‘customers’ entered through an unlocked back door to complete the deals with tenant Martin Norwood, 46, Once they had bought the Class A drugs, officers said the addicts often took them in the back alley or neighbouring yards leaving used needles on the ground.

And in some instances ‘inquisitive’ children had gone through the door and been exposed to the syringes.

The house was boarded-up yesterday after Reedley magistrates granted a Drugs Closure Order under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act.

Officers applied for the order after executing a search warrant at the property last month and found evidence of drug use.

Police who described the state of the house as ‘horrendous’ said the action was part of a crackdown on suspected drug dealers who make their neighbours’ lives a misery.

And they thanked the ‘brave’ residents who highlighted the suspected drugs den.

Following the closure, no-one will be allowed to enter the rented terraced house for the next three months.

Anyone who does gain access to the property, including Mr Norwood, will be arrested and could face prosecution.

PC Andy Kent, community beat manager for Queensgate, said the house was highlighted as the ‘epicentre’ of drug dealing in the area by local residents.

“Local police are determined to crack down on drug related activity and the misery it causes for local law abiding residents.

“Acting on information received from members of the public, we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to rid local neighbourhoods of drug related crime.

“I hope the fact that we have slammed the door firmly shut on drug use at this property helps to reassure the public that their local neighbourhood policing team, in partnership with officers from Operation Nimrod, are taking action to address their concerns.

“I also hope it sends a clear message to others involved in criminal activity.

“I would like to thank the residents who came forward with information and who have supported our action. It is largely due to their own integrity and courage that we are able to take action like this and their assistance is to be applauded.”

During the next three months it will be an offence under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act to remain in, or enter the premises.

Anyone who commits an offence under Section 3 of this act could face to up to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to £5,000 or both.

Pennine Police’s offender management unit will now work with Mr Norwood to encourage him to enter a rehabilitation programme.

Inspector Jes Holland, from the unit, said: “In some cases the best tactic is to work with offenders to address their drug use and help break the cycle of offending but in other cases, enforcement is the best option and this one is a good example.”

Officers raided the house on September 17. The order ties in with Operation Nimrod, an intelligence-led scheme which targets drug crime across the force.

Anyone with information about drug-related activity should call police on 0845 1 253545 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.