ILLEGAL drug use and anti-social behaviour has led to a Boscombe house being closed by the courts.

The action was secured by BCP Council, with support from Dorset Police, in relation to 32 Grosvenor Gardens.

A council officer said the order granted by Poole Magistrates' Court on April 8 means tenants can remain at the property but it is now an offence for others to visit.

Magistrates granted the three-month closure order, with Dorset Police saying the force is committed to taking action when concerns over anti-social behaviour are raised by residents.

Andy Williams, BCP Council's head of safer communities, said: “BCP Council work closely with Dorset Police to tackle anti-social behaviour and will use all legal powers available to us to take action against those who cause disorder.

“A closure order for 32 Grosvenor Gardens was granted at Poole Magistrates Court on 8 April following ongoing issues at the property concerning the use of illegal drugs and associated anti-social behaviour.

"This is currently a partial closure order, which allows the tenants to remain onsite, but makes it an offence for anyone else to visit the property.”

As reported by the Daily Echo, BCP Council's use of closure orders has increased year-on-year since 2017.

The sanctions, which are imposed by magistrates' courts, allow local authorities and police to close down a premises.

The orders can last for up to three months before the council must go back to the court if they want to prolong the closure.

Recent cases in the BCP area have involved noisy residents or properties concerned in suspected drug activity.

On the latest order, a Dorset Police spokeswoman said: "A closure order has been secured for an address in Grosvenor Gardens in Bournemouth following reports of anti-social behaviour and disorder.

"At a hearing at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, April 8, the three-month closured order was made.

"Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team have been working with the local authority to compile evidence to put before the court following concerns raised by residents in relation to anti-social behaviour at the property.

"Dorset Police remains committed to taking action in response to concerns of this nature that are raised by residents.

"We would encourage anyone who has concerns about anti-social behaviour in their community to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or call us on 101."