Non-residents have been banned from gathering in a housing estate plagued by drug trafficking and anti-social behavior.

Over the next three months, police have ordered 19 apartment blocks on the Freehold estate in Rochdale to be closed to non-residents.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it wanted to stop criminals entering an area where there was “relentless drug dealing” and intimidation of residents.

As part of the first forcible use of an Open Space Closure Order zone, non-residents are prohibited from congregating near stairwells, landings, decks and passageways. garbage from apartments.

Since December, GMP said it had made 40 arrests in the area and seized drugs, cash and weapons.

Apartments were also repossessed and problem tenants evicted.

Insp. Meena Yasin said the new closure zone was a “revolutionary way (of using existing laws) to protect our communities where they live”.

She said: “If we identify people entering the neighborhood without permission or to commit a crime, we can arrest and evict them. »

GMP said it took action following extensive consultation with the local community and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing.

To help enforce the new closure zones, police patrols will be increased day and night, police said.

A spokesperson said residents’ lawful daily activities would not be affected.

Rather, officers “will be able to more effectively remove criminals who hang out in stairwells or public spaces, committing crimes or anti-social behavior.”