POLICE have secured a closure order against a property in Montpelier due to its association with drug supply and anti-social behaviour.
The three-month closure order was obtained against the property in Ashley Road, from Bristol Magistrates’ Court on July 8.
Montpelier and St Werburghs Neighbourhood Policing Team, Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, and Places for People, the owner of the property, secured the order by demonstrating its links to criminality, which has caused significant distress to neighbouring residents.
The property has been linked to the use and supply of drugs, anti-social behaviour, loud arguments, and the aggressive behaviour of visitors to the property has also caused significant harassment and alarm to others living in the area.
Discarded drug paraphernalia linked to the property has also caused public health concerns, which a neighbour paid to have cleaned.
Tina McIvor, an anti-social behaviour coordinator for Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Residents will be relieved to see the property has been boarded up and they can also take comfort from the fact that if anybody returns and attempts to enter it, they will be committing a crime and will face further prosecution.
“We understand the distress and frustration residents would have felt while being subjected to this unacceptable behaviour, and we just hope this action demonstrates how committed we are to tackling such issues.
“We encourage members of the community to continue to report behaviour of this nature, so we are aware of the scale of the problem and what resources are needed to tackle it.”
While the order is in place, Places for People will work on the long-term future of the property.
Kelly Street, from Places for People, said: “With 1.3 million households waiting for a social home, it’s vital these homes are used responsibly.”