A Letchworth flat has been shut by police after complaints from neighbours about anti-social behaviour, as well as suspected drug dealing and drug use.

A three-month closure order of a flat in Ivel Court was granted to police by Stevenage magistrates last week, after the court was satisfied that it meant conditions including that those living there would be likely to engage in disorderly, offensive or criminal behaviour on the premises.

Herts police worked in partnership with North Herts Homes and North Herts District Council to gather evidence in support of the order, taking action after receiving numerous calls from members of the public reporting arguments at the address, noisy visitors and suspected drug use.

The closure order prevents anyone from entering the property for three months and anyone who breaches the order can be arrested.

North Herts anti-social behaviour officer Jeanette Dallimore said: “Alongside our partner agencies, we have been responding to complaints about the behaviour of the resident and visitors to the address for many months. By taking this action to close the property, we hope to provide neighbours and the wider community with some respite from the on-going issues at the address.

“This is a great example of how the new Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act has given us greater powers so that we can take action against anti-social behaviour, which can become a blight and cause such misery for neighbours, and improve the quality of life for our local communities.”

It follows a similar closure order enforced at an address in Kirkby, Letchworth, in August, which now been extended for a further three months.