THREE homes in Christchurch were issued with closure orders due to significant nuisance, disorder or criminal activity. 

The homes, in Somerford, were shut as part of a drive by the authorities to bring improvements to the area over the past four months. 

On August 14, police officers and council enforcement officers conducted three stop and searches, logged five intelligence reports and carried out five disruption surveys. 

A 25-year-old man from Bournemouth was arrested for suspected involvement in supplying class A drugs and driving offences - suspected cocaine, cash and his vehicle were seized. 

A second man, aged 32, was also arrested and charged with theft and using threatening language. 

Activity across following days saw officers conduct 12 address checks on vulnerable individuals, complete eight disruption surveys, and assist with a closure order in Hunt Road.  

A woman received a community resolution for drug possession, and a man was arrested for failing to appear in court. 

BCP Council, along with Sovereign Network Group (SNG) and Dorset Police, also secured an anti-social behaviour injunction and issued three notices to pursue future possessional of premises. 

In June, SNG organised a community clean-up day around Hunt Road and Dorset Road; clearing litter, fly-tipping hotspots and trimming grass and hedges to improve green spaces.  

Diane Humphries, of SNG, said: “SNG is far more than just a housing association; we work to create strong and safe communities where residents can thrive and feel a part of.  

“Working with partners in local authorities, community organisations and the police enables us to achieve far more collectively than any of us could acting alone.” 

Neighbourhood inspector Dan Cullen, of Bournemouth East and Christchurch police, said: “It is vitally important to us all that we continue our efforts going forward to ensure that residents and visitors of Somerford can enjoy their time in the area.  

“We would encourage anyone who wishes to pass on information or report any concerns to please speak to a member of the neighbourhood policing team.” 

Community involvement and engagement is vital to the success of these initiatives, so we encourage residents to participate in upcoming community meetings, provide feedback on ongoing projects across the Somerford estate to SNG, and actively report crime and ASB. 

Kieron Wilson, cabinet member for housing and regulatory services at BCP Council, said criminality has “no place” in the BCP area. 

He added: "Issues like these can only be addressed if properly reported, and agencies can’t act on information shared on social media alone.  

“If not reported correctly, there’s a risk incidents won’t be captured, so we ask residents to please accurately report issues via the correct channels.”