The first Closure Order for constant disorder has been granted in Bournemouth for a flat at 70 Hamilton Road, Boscombe, after Bournemouth Borough Council’s Housing Landlord team received numerous complaints of disturbance on the premises. Yesterday (30 March 2009), at Bournemouth Magistrates Court, the resident, who was not at court, was ordered to vacate the property for a period of four weeks. The resident has since surrendered the tenancy for the property. Representatives from Bournemouth Borough Council and Dorset Police closed and secured the flat at midday yesterday. Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community, said: “70 Hamilton Road has been a constant focus for severe anti-social behaviour, making the lives of those living nearby a misery. This closure order, which has been led by our Housing Landlord team, is the first to be enforced in the borough and will offer immediate respite to the local residents. “This result is testament to the commitment that the Council and Police have for tackling nuisance behaviour. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to improve the quality of life for residents.” Police Constable Ashley White, of Boscombe Police said: “Our use of this new legislation, in Boscombe, should send out a strong message to our community that Dorset Police and Bournemouth Borough Council do not tolerate anti-social behaviour and will take appropriate action together whenever the opportunity presents itself.” The closure order has been imposed for four weeks from 30 March and gives the power to close the property completely to prevent access by any persons – even those living in or owning the property. The Order may be discharged when problems associated with the premises have been addressed. Any person found within the property before the closure order has expired will be committing an offence and will be liable to prosecution. | 
