THURROCK'S lead councillor for housing has welcomed action that has led to a jailed drug dealer's home being brought back under the authority's control.

The borough council has regained possession of a property linked to a tenant who is serving a 28-month prison sentence for supplying Class A and Class B drugs.

On Thursday, 12 May 2022, Jean Claude Wembo, from South Ockendon, was sentenced to 28 months after being convicted of supplying Class A and Class B controlled drugs including cocaine and cannabis and possession of Class B drugs (cannabis).

Basildon County Court awarded the council possession of the council home in South Ockendon on Friday, 25 November. Wembo was ordered to pay £4,167 in outstanding rent arrears and an additional £481.75 in court costs at the hearing.

Cabinet member for housing, Cllr Luke Spillman, said: "Council housing is a valuable resource for our residents who should have access to good quality housing in a safe community.

"Thanks to our partnership work with Essex Police's Operation Raptor team, who found drugs at the property after being issued a warrant, we were able to bring forward enough evidence required to start proceedings to regain possession of this council home. I'm pleased that this property is being returned to the council, who can use this to provide a much-needed home to someone who needs it."

The council deals with anti-social behaviour where the person causing the problem is a council tenant or it affects a council tenant.

Visit thurrock.gov.uk/asb or contact the Housing Anti-Social Behaviour Team directly on [email protected] to report an issue.