A council flat in Dagenham has been brought back into use after being repossessed following a disturbance which involved a shooting and a suspected cannabis factory.

Following the incident on 21 March which involved the police and ambulance service, council officers acted promptly to ensure the one-bed property has now been returned to public use. 

Reacting to the news, Council Leader, Cllr Darren Rodwell said: “This is very good news and I would like to personally commend the member of staff who has been able to achieve this in record time. Her efforts saved the council what would have been a long drawn out process and tens of thousands of pounds in legal costs.

“This action sends out a clear message to – with the number of people waiting for a council home, having one and using it as an opportunity to make a quick buck and making life miserable for others is something we will not tolerate.

“In this case I am happy a more deserving member of the community will soon be moving into the property.”

Councillor Margaret Mullane, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety added: “Our residents deserve to live free from fear of crime and any kind of anti-social behaviour in their homes and in the community. We will continue to work closely with the police to ensure such behaviour is quickly nipped in the bud.

“I would like to assure residents that, whether it is an eyesore garden, reports of any anti-social behaviour that is reported to us, we take action. Sometimes it make take time to go through the courts but be rest assured we will get the desired result.”