A BOSCOMBE flat has been closed by the courts following "persistent anti-social behaviour and suspected drugs offences".

Officers from Bournemouth East neighbourhood policing team and BCP Council secured the order for Flat 1, 440 Christchurch Road.

Access to the address is now prohibited to anyone except the tenant, staff or authorised agents of the landlord.

The closure order was granted for a period of three months by magistrates sitting in Poole.

Councillor May Haines, BCP Council portfolio holder for community safety, said: “In the case of the property at Flat 1, 440 Christchurch Road, Boscombe, following a hearing at Poole Magistrates' Court, a full closure order was obtained for three months. The order states that access to the property is prohibited to anyone except the tenant, staff or authorised agents of the landlord.

"This order was sought following reports of persistent anti-social behaviour and suspected drugs offences.

“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”

A Dorset Police spokeswoman added: "We appreciate this activity has had a significant impact on the local community and hope this order will help to make a difference.

"We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and drug-related activity and are determined to work with our partners to take action where concerns arise.

"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.