Police and the council have gained a Closure Order to stop a Welwyn Garden City resident from entering their own home following drug use and antisocial behaviour.

Officers from the Welwyn Hatfield Community Safety Unit have been successful in securing a Closure Order on an address in Welwyn Garden City under the AntiSocial Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The property - a flat in Haynes Close - was being investigated following complaints from residents about people using drugs in the address and causing antisocial behaviour.

Police were granted a three month Closure Order at St Albans Magistrate’s Court on Friday, November 9.

Hertfordshire Constabulary worked in partnership with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council to gather evidence in support of the Closure Order.

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

Hertfordshire Constabulary Community Safety sergeant Ricki Vaughan said: “Closure Orders are a very powerful tool in the fight against antisocial behaviour.

“My unit has applied to the courts for five closure orders in the past 18 months and all were successful.

“Closure Orders are generally a last resort, however - if residents continue to cause a misery for their neighbours - we will not hesitate to use this legislation.

“I would urge local residents to please continue to report anything of concern to us via the non-emergency number 101.

“If you witness a crime or anti-social behaviour in progress always dial 999.”

Councillor Tony Kingsbury, deputy leader of Welwyn Hatfield Council and executive member for housing and community, said: “Our priority is to protect residents from antisocial behaviour and this is another good example of local agencies working together to stop activity that was having a detrimental impact on people’s lives.”