A BOSCOMBE flat has been closed by the courts after neighbours complained of anti-social behaviour and drug use at the property.

Flat two of Campbell Court in Campbell Road has been shut down for three months by magistrates. Occupier Gary Ford will not be allowed to return under the order.

Police in Boscombe decided to go before the courts as a "last resort" after working with Bournemouth council's anti-social behaviour team and representatives from Sovereign Housing, which owns the property.

Neighbourhood Inspector Cheyne Marley said: “I would like to thank those members of the community who provided Dorset Police with important intelligence and information about what was going on at this address. They have remained patient while we worked with our partners to seek this order and I hope the outcome will reassure members of the public that we do listen and we will act on the information they provide us.

“The issues coming from this address have had a real impact on residents and I hope this order will make a difference.

“We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour or drug misuse in our communities and will work closely with our partner agencies to stop it and ensure the individuals are dealt with robustly.”

Ford will be allowed to return to the flat on one occasion to gather his belongings. Only those working for Sovereign and Spectrum Property Care will be able to visit until the order ends.

Paul Mobbs, neighbourhood housing officer at Sovereign, said: “We understand the harm and distress anti-social behaviour can cause to residents and we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour.

"As well as investigating reports thoroughly, we work with our residents, the police and the local authority in order to take strong action to tackle it.

“We’re pleased we’ve been granted this closure order which was made possible by working closely with the Boscombe Neighbourhood Policing Team and other agencies.

"Closure orders will only be applied for as a last resort when offers of advice and support from ourselves and partner agencies fail. ”

Kelly Ansell, head of communities and enforcement at Bournemouth council said: “This is a positive outcome for the residents of Campbell Road, who have suffered persistent anti-social behaviour from this property.

"Closure orders are always a last resort, but in this case, it was a necessary measure."