Albanwood flat closure order after neighbours' misery

Herts Police obtained a three-month closure order for a flat in Albanwood yesterday, meaning anyone stepping inside could be arrested and have further action taken against them.

It followed a police raid under a warrant on January 19 which saw two arrests as well as cocaine and amphetamine seized.

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Flavio Ca-Landim, 18, of Wenlock Street, Islington, London, will appear in St Albans Magistrates’ Court today (February 2), having been charged with amphetamine possession.

Nicola Watkins, of Albanwood, Watford, was charged with cocaine possession and released on bail. The 38-year-old is set to appear at the same court on Tuesday (February 6).

Police outside the Albanwood property. (Image: Herts Police)

Inspector Dan Jones said: “We hope that this closure order – the third which is currently active in Watford – serves as a strong message that we will work with housing providers, community safety representatives and other partners to deal with problematic residents who are intent on disrupting the community.”

Police added that the property had continued to be a source of misery for neighbours even after warnings and repeated police visits.

The force had gathered evidence in favour of the order in partnership with Safer Watford Community Safety Partnership and Hightown Housing, which owns the flat.