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Tenants are being warned they could be evicted for smoking cannabis in their homes as part of a crackdown on cannabis use.

A group of social housing providers with tens of thousands of homes across Merseyside say smoking weed is a “nuisance”, a fire risk and often linked to antisocial behaviour.

They are threatening to use eviction as a last resort to tackle not only cultivation of cannabis , but also possession and use of the drug in rented accommodation.

Police, fire, council and housing chiefs have launched a joint campaign called “Use it? Lose it!” and will distribute posters and leaflets across the region to highlight the crackdown.

Donna Kelly, Regional Director at Liverpool Housing Trust, which has more than 11,000 homes, said: “Cannabis use in rented properties, particularly those with communal areas, can be a real nuisance to residents. Not only is it illegal, it is also often linked to other anti-social behaviour.

“While we are always here to offer support to residents with drug problems, we are also concerned about the impact of cannabis use on the wider community.

“This campaign sends out a clear message to those using illegal drugs: we take this matter very seriously and will take the appropriate action to protect other residents – including eviction.”

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Other social housing providers pledging a crackdown across Merseyside are Adactus, Cobalt, Contour, LMH, One Vision, Pier Head, Plus Dane, Riverside, SLH and Your Housing.

Cllr Emily Spurrell, Cabinet Member for Community and Safer Neighbourhoods, added: “We have a real issue in Liverpool with cannabis being cultivated in houses across the city, putting themselves and neighbouring properties at risk of fire and loss of life."

Mark Wiggins, Liverpool Local Policing Superintendent, said: “Our communities can help us stop these groups, who are only interested in making money from turning houses and flats into potential death traps.

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“Nobody wants to live next door to these houses and we would ask that if you believe someone is using a property for this purpose, please tell us so we can take positive action and find those responsible for setting them up.”