BENNETTSVILLE -- A bulldozer cleared the path for a safer community for residents on Breeden Street in Bennettsville. It demolished a home that deputies say was a haven for drug activity and prostitution.
"It's gonna help the neighborhood. It's gonna help deter drugs in this neighborhood. And our goal is to make it a safer cleaner neighborhood," said Marlboro County Sheriff Fred Knight.
Lee Edward Blair lives in the community and went to several Marlboro County Council meetings to complain about all the illegal activities going on inside the home.
Blair said, "They been breaking in and tearing all the copper and everything out of the house. Using drugs and different things inside of the house.."
The Marlboro County Sheriff's Office worked with Marlboro County Council to do something about the property.
When no one came forward to pay taxes on the house or buy it at an auction, it became the property of the county.
The Sheriff and Council wanted it gone.
"Often times we can't do much, but in this case we try to take action and find resources to do it. While it's sad to see a neighborhood, we had houses that were once viable family homes get into bad conditions like this , we have to move forward try to keep the rest of the folks still here. Keep the neighborhood safe for them," said Ron Munnerlyn Marlboro County Council.
"Breeden Street has historically been a vibrant part of the community and it's a thoroughfare. As you can see there's been a lot of traffic down this street. So, it was very important that we make an effort to clean it up," explained Dr. Carolyn Prince Marlboro County Council.
People who live on Breeden Street say they now have a greater sense of pride for the community.
"I'm happy that our community leaders has put forth the effort to clean up around here because it is a bad element. You know , I have a one year old son and I would like for him to be able to play out in the street and have fun without having to worry about him going into one of these old abandoned houses, " said John Hicks.
Deputies and council members plan to keep up the lawn and plant a few trees.
They're hoping it will attract a family to build a home on the property.
"It'll be a piece of land that maybe somebody might want to build on later or something," said Sheriff Knight.
The Marlboro County Sheriff's Department has demolished eight drug houses within the past five years.
