TWO unoccupied Boscombe properties which have been earmarked for redevelopment have been closed by the courts following a spate of drug and anti-social behaviour issues.

BCP Council successfully obtained the order for neighbouring 29 and 31 Hamilton Road from magistrates sitting in Poole.

The local authority, Dorset Police and the site owners have worked together to secure the action to prevent further problems.

Measures have been taken on the site, including boarding up doors and windows and fencing around the buildings.

Last month, firefighters dealt with blazes at one of the properties on two separate occasions in the space of four days.

Councillor Vikki Slade, BCP Council leader, said: “We care passionately about our communities and will take appropriate actions to keep local residents safe.

"The two privately owned properties on Hamilton Road in Bournemouth are currently awaiting planning permission and we are aware that they have been repeatedly broken into and used for drug related activities.

"In response we have been working in partnership with the owners and Dorset Police to obtain closure orders, address safety concerns and prevent further antisocial behaviour in the area.

"The grounds have now been cleared, all doors and windows boarded up and more secure fencing erected around the outside of the building. We will continue to monitor the situation and take further steps if required.’’

The closure order, which is initially valid for three months after being granted on September 3, was given under section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act and section 76 Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act of 2014.

Only staff or authorities agents of the landlord are permitted on site for the purposes of clearing and carrying out repairs or development of the properties.

The Act gives local authorities fast, flexible power that can be used to protect communities by quickly closing premises that are causing nuisance to members of the public or disorder if they are not closed.

Calendula Assets Limited, which trades under the name DWP Housing Partnership, has applied to BCP Council for permission to replace the two properties with of two blocks of 12 flats.

The application for the site was filed in June last year but a decision is yet to be made by BCP Council's planning department.