Cannabis growing tenants risk eviction

Council tenants in Wear Valley have been warned they risk losing their home if they grow cannabis.

Enforcement officers at ALMO Dale & Valley Homes have issued the stark warning that they will take action against people producing drugs – even if it is for personal use.

Chris Walton, tenancy enforcement manager, said: “Some people do not seem to realise growing cannabis is illegal but we will not tolerate it in our homes. Our customers tell us they do not want drugs in their communities and we will take action against anyone found to be growing cannabis plants.

“People think that it is a very minor thing because they may only be cautioned by the police, but a caution is an admission that you are doing wrong. We have had cases just like this and we have taken action. Now we want to make it clear to everyone how unacceptable this is in Wear Valley and give them the chance to stop before they lose their home.”

In the past Dale & Valley Homes has taken action against large-scale cannabis growers with clear criminal intentions but officers want to emphasise that growing any amount is against the law.

In an effort to build stronger communities the company says it will seek to stop anti-social behaviour of any kind.