TWO flats in Poole town centre have been issued with closure orders following “serious anti-social behaviour” issues, including suspected drug dealing, excessive noise and night-time disturbances.

The tenants of 32 and 35 Cinnamon Lane reportedly received a number of written warnings regarding their behaviour and the conduct of visitors.

Following unsuccessful engagement and enforcement efforts, with support from police, BCP Council decided to take the court action.

Magistrates sitting in Poole issued a three-month order, which prohibited visitor access to the properties.

Councillor May Haines, BCP Council portfolio holder for community safety, said: “The order follows the failure of the tenants to comply with a number of written warnings sent to them regarding their behaviour and that of their visitors.

"All previous attempts at engagement and enforcement, including visits by the police, did not lead to any notable improvement and serious anti-social behaviour continued, including suspected drug dealing, shouting, swearing, excessive noise and night-time disturbances that were having a significant impact on neighbours.

“We work closely with Dorset Police to address issues around anti-social behaviour and we will continue to deal robustly with individuals or groups whose actions at their address have a detrimental effect on the local community.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicions of drug use or distribution to Dorset Police by calling 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The situation regarding the closure order in Cinnamon Lane would remain under review, Cllr Haines said.

A Dorset Police spokeswoman said officers from the neighbourhood policing team had been working closely with the council following reports of persistent anti-social behaviour and suspected drug-related activity

“The order will prohibit the access of visitors to the properties in a bid to help safeguard the occupants, as well as other residents in the area,” the spokeswoman said.

“Closures orders such as this are just one of a number of tools we use as we work with local partners to respond to the concerns of residents and protect the vulnerable members of our communities.

“Anyone with concerns over anti-social behaviour in their community is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.”

Closure orders have been implemented at a number of addresses in the BCP area in recent years.

They are 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.

Theses Acts give local authorities fast and flexible powers that can be used to protect communities by quickly closing premises that are causing a nuisance to members of the public or disorder if they are not closed.