A FLAT in Bournemouth has been closed by the courts after "serious nuisance and drug-related disorder".

BCP Council officers secured the power from Poole Magistrates' Court to take action in relation to Flat 2, 44 Purbeck Road, in the West Cliff area.

Efforts were reportedly made by the local authority and police to address the issues without taking the matter to court.

However, after this proved to be unsuccessful, the legal route was pursued.

A BCP Council spokesman said: “Serious nuisance and drug-related disorder has taken place at Flat 2, 44 Purbeck Road caused by the private tenant and others whom they allowed access to the property. This caused a persistent nuisance to other residents in the block of flats. Despite best efforts by our anti-social behaviour team and colleagues at Dorset Police, a three month closure order has now successfully been granted at the property. "

Bournemouth Echo: Purbeck Road in the West Cliff area of Bournemouth

The order, which was granted under section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, means no one is allowed to access the flat for three months other than the landlord, his employees, agents and contractors.

A spokesperson for Bournemouth Police said the closure order was a result of "community intelligence and agencies working together to drive anti-social behaviour down in Dorset".

The BCP Council spokesperson added: “The council and police have worked in partnership and are pleased with the outcome, which will hopefully bring some respite for the victims involved. With a full closure order being granted, all persons are excluded from the premises and they will be committing a criminal offence if they enter.

“We will always seek to protect victims of disorder and use the powers available to us. We hope in obtaining this order, it shows we will act on issues raised by residents to reduce anti-social behaviour in our communities.

“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.”

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