The first Nuisance Closure Order in Poole has shut down a property occupied by an anti-social tenant.

In a bid to stamp out extreme nuisance behaviour in Oakdale, the authorities took the last resort of applying for a closure order for the Poole Housing Partnership property.

This order, granted by the magistrates court, has the effect of making the property uninhabitable for three months.

Dorset Police, Borough of Poole and PHP acted after the woman tenant’s behaviour was making the lives of her neighbours a misery.

They began to complain several months after the single woman moved in.

Reports of anti-social behaviour included loud music, constant visitors at all times of the day and night, verbal and physical abuse and damage to the property.

Despite repeated warnings, visits and interventions from PHP, the police and council, her behaviour remained unchanged and she refused to stop causing a nuisance to her neighbours.

The agencies worked together to take the case the court under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 and applied for the closure order.

The court agreed the tenant’s behaviour was having a significant negative impact on her neighbours and awarded Poole’s first complete closure order, closing down the property for three months.

Neighbours, who supported the action, can now enjoy peace and quiet while the agencies seek a permanent solution to resolve the anti-social behaviour.

“This case demonstrates the value of partnership working for the benefit of local people,” said Ian Cooke, community services manager, Borough of Poole.

“Anti-social behaviour blights communities and our message is that it is not tolerated in Poole.

“Anyone who commits extreme nuisance behaviour can have their property closed down, regardless of who owns it.

“If you are experiencing neighbour nuisance then please tell us,” he said.

Residents can call the council on 01202 633516 (working hours) to complain about anti-social behaviour or ask for an issue to be investigated.