Rotherham Council declares war on cannabis growers

Since 2010 more than 40 residents have been served with ASBOs or seen eviction proceedings begin.

Rotherham Borough Council has stepped up action over the class B drug as figures show that cultivation is rising.

Neighbourhood crime and justice manager Steve Parry said that the council was committed to working with police on breached tenancy agreements.

He added: “Unfortunately, the cultivation of cannabis seems to be on the increase.

“But we warn anyone thinking about growing it, either in council or private properties, that we will take the necessary legal action to stop it.

“If tenants ignore this warning they will find themselves paying significant court costs, facing jail and losing their homes.”

In cases where a substantial amount of cannabis was discovered, the authority has applied for possession of the properties.

This has resulted in over ten suspended possession orders and a further eight outright possession orders, where the tenant has been evicted.

The council and police have also issued more than 40 Acceptable Behaviour Contracts for substance misuse and advised individuals to seek support.

And residents can expect to see more of this intensive enforcement approach in future, said housing and communities manager Paul Walsh.

He added: “The vast majority of our tenants are law-abiding citizens and abide by their tenancy obligations.

“Increasingly, action will be taken against those who are not.”