Drugs den transformed
A house in Anfield that was used as a drugs den has been transformed after action by Liverpool City Council’s Landlord Licensing team and Merseyside Police.
An inspection of the property on Manningham Road was carried out by the council in 2022, following complaints.
The council worked with Merseyside Police to secure its closure under the anti-social behaviour, crime and policing act following evidence that it had become a magnet for Class A drug use and supply.
Residents described constant visitors, open drug use, loud disturbances and violence, leaving many locals reluctant to leave their homes. The closure made an immediate difference and improved life for the surrounding community overnight.
The council advised the landlord on regaining control of the property, and it was subsequently refurbished.
It has now been re-let to responsible tenants, and an inspection conducted in June 2025 found it to be compliant with the licence conditions.
Liverpool’s Landlord Licensing scheme operates in the areas of the city with the worst private rented housing conditions, giving the council additional powers to drive up standards and keep vulnerable tenants safe. This includes tackling fire and electrical safety hazards, excess cold and damp and preventing and tackling anti-social behaviour.
In the first three years of the Landlord Licensing scheme:
- 40,385 licences have been granted
- 9,024 inspections have been completed
- 295 Category 1 hazards and 1,740 category 2 hazards have been identified
- 21 Civil Penalty Notices have been served for licence breaches
- 14 criminal prosecutions have been brought for non-compliance
- 1,029 previously unlicensed properties have been identified and licensed under the scheme
Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Hetty Wood, said: “This is a brilliant example of how our landlord licensing scheme drives up the quality of rented homes in Liverpool and fosters community cohesion.
“We want people to know they should have safe, high standards within their homes and communities, and we can work with landlords help them stay compliant with their licence conditions, with improved properties.”
Chief Inspector Andy Fielding from Merseyside Police said: “This partnership between Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council is a powerful example of how we can protect our communities and restore neighbourhoods affected by drug-related harm and anti-social behaviour.
“The swift and decisive action taken at the property in Anfield brought immediate relief to local residents and sent a clear message: criminal activity will not be tolerated.
“We remain committed to working with our partners to create safer, stronger streets for everyone in Liverpool.”
Issues with anti-social behaviour can be reported here: https://liverpool.gov.uk/antisocialbehaviour