A corner shop in Newton Heath which became a hotspot for anti-social behaviour, the unlawful sale of fireworks and illicit tobacco as well as alleged drug dealing has been forced to close.
Yesterday Manchester City Council secured a Closure Order against Ash News and Booze, in Culcheth Lane, Newton Heath.
This followed several months of investigation into a string of alleged crimes and wrongdoing traced back to the premises.
These included allegations of drug dealing taking place outside, littering, anti-social use of e-bikes and other forms of anti-social behaviour.
Last week the Council’s Trading Standards Team alongside GMP attended the shop to conduct a search, finding fireworks on sale, illicit tobacco, as well as a canister of PAVA-style incapacitant, often known as CS gas. This was despite the premises not being licensed to legally sell fireworks.
The tobacco and fireworks were subsequently seized by the Council.
Police have separately made several arrests relating to drugs offences connected to the premises.
Following a hearing held on Thursday (14/11) at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, the Council’s application for a Closure Order was granted by the presiding Deputy District Judge Garland.
In mitigation the owner of the premises claimed they were unaware of the alleged drug dealing or other criminal offences taking place, nor were they aware a licence was required to sell fireworks.
The shop will have to remain closed for a three-month period, with no one allowed to enter for any reason, other than the Council or Emergency Services or the owners.
