A THREE-MONTH closure order has been granted for a property in Highbridge to help tackle drug and anti-social behaviour issues. 

Taunton Magistrates granted the police application for the closure of the property in North Avenue, Highbridge on Friday, May 15 in a hearing carried out by video link.

The court heard that number 72 was linked to a catalogue of incidents of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.

Magistrates also learned that the address had been the scene of serious criminal offences, including arson and assault, also linked to drug crime.

The order means that the house has been boarded up and no one may enter it for three months. Anyone who does so risks arrest.

Cerwyn Pritchard, anti-social behaviour co-ordinator at Avon and Somerset Police, said: "Before applying for this order, the householder was offered support from the housing provider, Homes in Sedgemoor, police and voluntary services to tackle the behaviour.

"The householder voluntarily left the property earlier this year but was still listed as the tenant while the house continued to be linked to drug supply.

"We'd like to reassure people that with the appropriate evidence we can take action and put a stop to the misery caused by this sort of activity.

"We're now working closely with Homes in Sedgemoor, to enable new tenants to be able to occupy the house."

More information about how police can help if you are affected by anti-social behaviour (ASB) is available at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/anti-social-behaviour/

Your local council or housing provider can also offer support and advice and take action against those responsible for ASB at https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council.