Raid on village 'crack house'

Yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon magistrates were being asked to grant a closure order on the house at Saxon Close. The tenant and her family would then be forced to leave before the house was boarded up.

However, it's believed that the woman and her children moved out of the privately-rented, end-terrace house before yesterday's hearing at Chichester Magistrates' Court. Notice of the closure had been served on her previously.

It's the first time Arun District Council and the police have taken the drastic step of forcing a family from their home and sealing off the premises, using legislation under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.

But the authorities say the continued unacceptable behaviour of those living in the property left them with no other option.