Three-month closure order sends ‘strong message’ on crime

» POLICE have secured a three-month closure order on a Cheltenham house plagued by drug use and crime.

Magistrates at Gloucester County Court granted a police application last month for a property in Hanover Street, St Paul’s, to be shut down.

Reports of vulnerable youths going to the home and drugs being taken there were made to the Solace action group, which fights antisocial behaviour.

Solace team leader Louise Boyle said: “We hope that the closure order sends a strong message that this type of antisocial behaviour and criminality will not be tolerated in our communities.”

Inspector John Turner, of Gloucestershire Constabulary, added: “This closure order is an excellent example of the police working with key partners to ensure the safeguarding of vulnerable members of our community.”

The orders are designed to tackle serious and persistent forms of antisocial behaviour.

They close a property completely or partially, preventing access by anyone for three months, with a possible extension to six months.

The Solace team includes officers from Gloucestershire Constabulary, Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucester City Council.

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