SOMERSET Magistrates Court granted a Closure Order on a property in Bridgwater following ongoing incidents of anti-social behaviour.

The Beat Team became aware that residents of West Street were suffering from ongoing incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in relation to one particular property and tenant. 

Working with the local community, partner agencies including Homes in Sedgemoor, and the Constabulary’s Anti-Social Behaviour Coordinator, the Team were able to put together evidence to apply for a Closure Order for the property. 

The Order, granted on Wednesday 19/10, means that the property, 151 West Street, has been boarded up for three months and no one is allowed to enter. If they do, they can be arrested.

PC Joseph Piscina, Beat Manager for the area, said: “I hope the local community, particularly in the immediate vicinity, are reassured by the successful application for the Closure Order.

“It became apparent that residents were suffering as a result of ongoing ASB, suspected to be linked to drug dealing activities at the property in question. There were people coming and going at all hours of the day and night, cars waiting outside and visitors behaving in an intimidating fashion. We also found evidence of drug use within the property.

“We applied for the Closure Order to ensure that the quality of life improved for the surrounding residents. I have already received a large amount of positive feedback from the local community in relation to our action to tackle these problems, and I hope that it reassures the public that we do take ASB seriously.”

A spokesperson for Homes in Sedgemoor said: “Homes in Sedgemoor are committed to ensuring our neighbourhoods are safe places for our residents to live and enjoy and we will not tolerate unacceptable behaviour. By working in partnership with the police and residents through our Neighbourhood Agreements, we have successfully proven that action can be taken to address anti-social behaviour on our estates.”

PC Piscina added: “Ongoing ASB can ruin people’s lives and for this reason it is a force and PCC priority. We are committed to working with our partners to do all we can to tackle it. It is vital that people report it. If we don’t know about it, we can’t deal with it."