A FLAT in a trouble-hit Southend tower block is facing closure after concerns it was being used as a drug den.

An interim closure notice was served at a home in Quantock Flats, Chichester Road, yesterday morning following a joint operation between South Essex Homes, Southend Council and Essex Police.

None of the agencies involved were able to provide specific details of the issues relating to the flat, apart from the property being linked to the use of Class A drugs and antisocial behaviour.

A hearing will be held next week at Southend Magistrates Court to see if the closure notice will be approved.

The block of of flats has proved controversial and has regularly been linked to crime in the past.

In September last year a vulnerable person was saved from exploitation after a court order banned people from that home.

Again, the property had been linked to drugs and drug dealing and police and the council served the closure order on the property in a bid to safeguard the resident - a vulnerable adult - from ongoing antisocial behaviour.

After serving the notice, Essex Police’s Op Raptor team tweeted: “Notice of intended court action has been served by South Essex Homes and Southend Council on a tenant within Quantock flats.

“The property is linked to class A drug use and antisocial behaviour.”

If approved by the courts, the court order would prevent anyone other than the named tenant and anyone working on behalf of the council, South Essex Homes and Essex Police from entering the property during this timeframe.

Anyone else seen entering the property can be arrested and faces up to 51 weeks in prison and an unlimited fine.

Southend Council stated it would not be able to provide additional details until the court hearing is complete.

A spokesperson for Southend Council said: “We can confirm that we have served a closure notice at an address at Quantock flats and that a hearing is scheduled for Southend Magistrates Court on 19 June.

“As the case is yet to be heard, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”