A FLAT in Bournemouth has been closed by the courts as council chiefs and police attempt to address “persistent nuisance” caused to others in the block.

The property at Danielle Court in Lowther Gardens can now only be accessed by staff or authorised agents of the landlord for clearing and repairs.

The closure order was granted for a period of three months by magistrates sitting in Poole on Monday, February 15.

It was secured following work by BCP Council and Dorset Police, which involved the collection of evidence over several months after residents raised concerns about anti-social behaviour and drug-related activity.

Councillor May Haines, BCP Council portfolio holder for community safety, said: “We have successfully secured a three-month closure order for the property (Flat 10, Danielle Court, 3 Lowther Gardens) following reports of both drug and alcohol related anti-social behaviour.

"This disorder was caused by both the private tenants and others whom they allowed access to the property, causing a persistent nuisance to other residents in the block of flats.

“This closure order was granted at Poole Magistrates’ Court and we hope this will send a message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and that we will take steps to safeguard our 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.”

Dorset Police said it remains committed to taking action in response to concerns raised in such circumstances by residents.

A spokeswoman said: “The order states that only staff or authorised agents of the landlord may be admitted onto the premises for the purpose of clearing and carrying out repairs to the property while the order is in place.

“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team have been working over a period of several months to compile evidence to put before the court following concerns raised by residents in relation to anti-social behaviour and drug-related activity at the property.”

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

They can be issued under section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act and section 76 Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act of 2014.

This gives 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.