Growing cannabis in a council-owned property has resulted in eviction for a St Albans tenant.

Frederick Allas was found guilty in April of producing cannabis at the house in Ennerdale Close, off Cell Barnes Lane, and possession of the illegal drug with intent to supply.

Following his conviction at St Albans Crown Court, the district council was granted the right to recover possession of its house by the County Court.

Allas was subsequently evicted, after a warrant was executed, from the house on Wednesday, August 3.

The council’s principal community protection officer, Neil Kieran, said Allas, “was a council tenant who made substantial amounts of cannabis at his property.

“As soon as we were legally able, we took action to take back the property.

“We will always seek to recover a council property that has been used for producing or dealing drugs, or has been involved in other serious tenancy breaches.”

St Albans Chief Inspector, Shane O’Neill, said police worked “very closely” with council officers “to help keep the community as free as possible from the influence of criminals, such as Frederick Allas.

“We wholly support the approach of our colleagues in the council and I have no doubt the public do too.”