FOOTAGE: Police shut down ex-English Rose pub in High Town dogged by prostitution and drug-dealing

Bedfordshire Police successfully applied for a closure order on the ex-pub in Old Bedford Road after complaints from local residents.

The premises were issued with a three-month closure order following a hearing at Luton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 11.

In June, members of the public complained that the English Rose and its large garden were being used for drug taking and prostitution.

Police worked jointly with Luton Borough Council to investigate the ex-pub.

Officers attended the site and discovered drugs, drug paraphernalia, weapons and other evidence, suggesting that it had been used for illicit purposes.

Cllr Jacqui Burnett, portfolio holder for community safety, said: “As with all areas of our town, residents of High Town should not have to endure living in an area where there is anti social behaviour going on and they don’t feel comfortable in their own community.

“I’m really pleased that by working with our partners and with the help of the local community, who had to endure this behaviour for a number of weeks, we have now been able to deal with this by putting a closure order in place.”

Inspector Richard Cunningham added: “After we received the concerning reports from the local communities, we linked in with our partners to ensure the appropriate action was taken.

“We would like to thank the residents for their ongoing support of our work to secure the premises. Hopefully now that the closure order has been put in place, the local community will feel safer in their neighbourhood.

“This case is an example of the importance of reporting your concerns to us as each report helps us build a better intelligence picture of the issue.

“We also offer support to vulnerable people and we work closely with partners in Azaela and Resolutions to help women concerned in the illegal sex trade, as well as vulnerable people struggling with addiction.”

If you are concerned about anti-social behaviour, you can report it to the police by calling 101.