SUSPECTED drug-related activity and noise problems have led to a Bournemouth flat being closed by the courts.

The action relating to Flat 5, 30 Southcote Road, was taken by Dorset Police and BCP Council after they received concerns from residents.

A senior councillor has said the response sent a message that anti-social behaviour “will not be tolerated”.

The order was secured at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, January 7, and has been granted for a period of three months.

Cllr May Haines, pictured above, BCP Council portfolio holder for community safety, said: “BCP Council has worked closely with officers from Bournemouth East Neighbourhood Policing Team to secure a three-month closure order of a property at Flat 5, 30 Southcote Road, Boscombe due to issues of suspected drug-related nuisance and disorder.

“This order was granted at Poole Magistrates’ Court following concerns raised from members of the public. This sends a message that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated and steps will be taken to safeguard others in the local community.

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

The closure order means the flat is closed to everyone except police and the landlords.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “Officers from the Bournemouth East Neighbourhood Policing Team have been working with BCP Council following reports of anti-social behaviour, including noise-related issues and suspected drug-related activity, at an address on Southcote Road in Bournemouth.

“BCP Council led on the closure application, which has been granted by Poole Magistrates’ Court and prohibits the access of visitors to the property. The order has been secured following concerns raised from members of the public and it is in place to help safeguard other residents in the local area and protect the vulnerable members of our communities.”

Closure orders, which provide local authorities with powers to protect communities by shutting premises that are causing a nuisance, have been implemented at a number of addresses across Bournemouth and Poole in recent months and years.

They can be issued under section 80 and section 76 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.

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