Tenant and visitors banned from entering Christchurch flat

BCP Council secured the closure order in relation to an address in Everest Road, Somerford.

Officers from the local authority’s anti-social behaviour team worked with Sovereign Housing Association and Dorset Police to take the case before Poole Magistrates’ Court on November 4.

Councillor Bobbie Dove, portfolio holder for community safety and regulatory services, said this action had taken place “to tackle serious drug related nuisance and disorder relating to Flat 36 Cleveland Place, 87 Everest Road, Christchurch, which has been impacting on local residents”.

• Read more: Bournemouth homes closed after 'extensive' work by council

She said: “This action demonstrates how the council and partner agencies are committed to taking action to protect victims and communities from serious nuisance and disorder.

Cllr Bobbie Dove

“We will always use the tools and powers available to us and we hope by obtaining this closure order, it shows we will act on issues which are having a detrimental impact on residents to reduce anti-social behaviour in our communities.”

The closure order prohibits anyone, including the tenant, from residing in the flat for three months.

• Read more: BCP closure orders increasing year-on-year since 2017

A spokesperson for Christchurch Neighbourhood Policing Team said Dorset Police had received repeated reports of disorder and anti-social behaviour.

“Officers have worked hard with partners to compile evidence to put before the court, in order to secure this closure order,” the spokesperson said. “It is hoped this will significantly reduce the amount of associated anti-social behaviour linked to the address and will improve the lives of residents in the area.

“We will continue to work with our partner agencies to explore all options available to us to tackle reports of anti-social and disorderly behaviour in our communities.”

BCP Council has now obtained nine closure orders from the courts since April.

Cllr Dove said they are sought to protect individuals and the community from harm.

She added: “This demonstrates our commitment to keeping our communities safe.

“Criminal and anti-social behaviour activity has no place in BCP.

"If residents are experiencing anti-social behaviour we encourage them to report to the Police by calling 101 and if there are ongoing concerns, to contact the anti-social behaviour team at asbteam@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.”

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