The property at 12 Gascoigne Road was reportedly used to deal drugs

Officers from Colchester Borough Homes’ antisocial behaviour team were supported by the police to take possession of a premise on Gascoigne Road and closed the property yesterday (Thursday, August 9)

A closure notice was granted to Colchester Borough Homes (CBH) to tackle serious antisocial behaviour at one of its properties in Colchester.

The order, which was signed by Colchester Magistrates’ Court, prohibits anyone from entering or remaining at 12 Gascoigne Road and anybody breaching the notice will now be liable to arrest and imprisonment.

This follows concerns raised by the local community about persistent nuisance and antisocial behaviour at the address including reports by nearby residents of drug taking, drug dealing and threats of reprisals from people using the address.

Tina Bourne, Portfolio Holder for Housing & Communities, said: “This action shows we are committed to working with the local police to support safer communities and make Colchester an even better place to live.

“We take reports of nuisance and intimidation very seriously and will simply not tolerate behaviour of this type in any of the homes that we manage.

“I can categorically reassure residents left feeling anxious and whose quality of life is being affected, that we are dedicated to working with and supporting neighbourhoods to deal with any reports of antisocial behaviour among our tenants.”

In spite of fears for their own safety, many local residents came forward to support a community impact statement about the effect the nuisance and antisocial behaviour was having on their lives – which was instrumental in magistrates granting the order.