PEOPLE blighted by 'nightmare neighbours' have voiced their relief after police closed down a house at the centre of intimidation, threats, loud music and fighting on the streets.

Officers served the occupier in Cog Lane, Burnley, with a temporary premises closure order following a number of complaints about anti-social behaviour at the house.

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A magistrates court hearing will take place on Friday, March 31, to apply for a full premises closure order meaning it will be boarded and closed for a period of not less than three months.

Neighbours, who say they have been plagued for more than a year by large gatherings at the house, said the action had come 'not a moment too soon'.

A 33-year-old woman, who lives in Cog Lane, said: "It's been a nightmare for upwards of a year.

"People spill onto the street drinking, shouting and arguing and I've seen men fighting and grappling on the street.

"It's frightening and intimidating and if you challenge them you just get threats and abuse hurled back.

"They gather there and you can hear music and shouting into the early hours.

"On several occasions it's gone on past 4am at the weekend so that has a real effect.

"There can be upwards of a dozen people outside, both men and women, and they're not teenagers or kids.

"I'd say they're around 25 to 35 years old.

"Everyone close to this house will be relieved that the police have taken action."

A man aged 84, who also lives in the street, said: "It's about time.

"Everyone on this part of Cog Lane is quite tight knit but since the new tenants came in about a year ago there's been problem after problem.

"The police must have been there dozens of times so this action is not a moment too soon."

Another neighbour said: "There's been trouble there for weeks and the police have been round here repeatedly.

"They wouldn't even let them serve the notice on them properly so it was plastered on the boarded up window."

The printed order was not visible on the front window of the house yesterday afternoon.

PC Michelle Horne said: "We have received several complaints and made numerous visits to this residence.

"The type of behaviour reported is fighting on the street, shouting, loud music and intimidation of neighbours.

"The closure notice gives us extra powers to deal with the nuisance and only the tenant can now go inside the property.

"We've applied for a permanent order to extend the closure and that will be heard in court next week."

Cllr Charlie Briggs, who represents the nearby Gannow ward, has also been pressing for action to be taken.

He said: “This type of behaviour should not be tolerated and I’m glad that the police and council officers have taken this decisive course of action.

“I have received several complaints from a friend who I have assisted before about various aspects of anti-social-behaviour coming from visitors to this house.

“Her and other people’s lives were being seriously affected and that is not acceptable.

“Some of those living close and having to put up with this for months on end are elderly and vulnerable and I applaud this measure to protect them.”