Housing chiefs have vowed that people convicted of drug dealing will be kicked out of their council homes.

Cherwell District Council made the pledge after a major police crackdown on drug dealing in Banbury.

Last Thursday police made dawn swoops on 15 homes in the town in an operation that involved 90 officers. Fourteen arrests were made and heroin worth thousands of pounds was seized along with cash and stolen property.

Grahame Handley, the council's chief executive, said: "This was an excellent result for Thames Valley Police and all the residents of Cherwell. "I congratulate the police and would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the council's policy that drug dealers will be evicted.

"I am absolutely delighted. The result is a major step towards a real reduction in drugs misuse among young people."

The council announced its intention to evict dealers and criminals from council homes earlier this year and said it would report suspected drugs offences to the police.

Head of housing services Kate Hindle said the aim was to help combat crime on housing estates and to enhance safety for residents.

A number of housing associations pledged their support and promised to scrutinise tenants for anti-social behaviour. Police have underlined the importance of cracking down on dealers amid fears that criminals from London and Birmingham are targeting drug users in towns along the M40 corridor.

The Banbury raids followed action by Oxford police to clear drug dealers from the notorious memorial garden in Bonn Square.

And recent convictions have been touted as proof of the force's increasing success in its battle against narcotics.

Seven people have been remanded in custody on drugs charges after last week's raids.

Story date: Tuesday 14 December

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