A SUSPECTED drugs den in Boscombe has been shut down by the courts following a number of complaints about anti-social behaviour

The address in The Crescent will remain closed until October this year after a hearing at Poole Magistrates' Court earlier this month.

It is an extension of a court order made earlier this year and means the address will be closed to everyone including the occupier following the successful application made by Bournemouth Council and Dorset Police.

The flat was closed for three months from the date of the order, July 4, and the occupant Lorraine Sly removed.

The court heard that the application for the order was made following numerous complaints of anti-social behaviour at the property.

It was alleged that the flat was being used as a drug den where people went to buy drugs at all hours of the day and night, the court heard.

Ms Sly admitted that at one point in February this year three or four people an hour would arrive at her flat knocking on the window, but denied that it was because of drugs.

She told the court they were just friends coming to visit her. But when asked by District Judge Snow if drugs had been taken or sold at the flat she "pleaded the fifth" and refused to answer the question.

There was also reports of fights outside the property and used syringes were discovered on the green in The Crescent.

Speaking at court Ms Sly said: "I don't know why it's all being linked to me. I didn't have a fight or leave those syringes. Why is it all being blamed on me.

"Boscombe has always been known for drugs. These kind of things will continue if I'm not there,"

District Judge Snow agreed to the complete closure order and Ms Sly would only be allowed to return to the property to collect her belongings with a uniformed officer.

He said: "It seems to me that visitors have been using drugs here and I'm satisfied that the anti-social behaviour is directly linked to this premises.

"What an appalling experience this must have been for anyone living in the building or neighbouring vicinity."

Ms Sly was also ordered to pay £250 costs.

Kelly Ansell, head of housing and community enforcement, said: “This closure order is the culmination of joint agency working between Dorset Police and Bournemouth Borough Council following a sustained period of concerning activity and behaviour in and around the premises.

"This course of action is always a last resort, but was deemed necessary in this case due to the serious nuisance and disorder emanating from the property and the impact that was having on the local community.

“The police and council continue to work in collaboration to robustly deal with individuals who have a detrimental effect on the local community due to drug related activity from their home address.”