A closure order has today been granted for a property in East Lancashire.

Following six months of partnership working, magistrates granted the order, for 6 Hope Street, Haslingden, under S.80 Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, after complaints were made of drug use, drug dealing, excess noise and violent disorder.

It was also reported that those who accessed the property took part in this behaviour, causing alarm and distress to the wider community.

The order, which will be effective from today (August 4), and will last for three months, was issued following partnership working between police in Rossendale, Rossendale Council and other key stakeholders, to regularly assess the risk to the public and allow the residents to remain in situ.

A number of civil warning notices handed to occupants at the property were ignored, and as the safety of residents was paramount, the closure order was executed to safeguard the community.

No persons, other than the landlord, are to enter the property within this time – other than at pre-agreed timeslots with partner agencies and the tenants to retrieve their belongings.

Sgt Craig Leech, of Rossendale Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “I am pleased that today we were able to secure a closure order on this extremely disruptive group of tenants and the property.

"These very selfish actions cause alarm and distress to other people living in the area, and this order comes after months of hard work alongside our partners in the council, to ensure those most affected have their voices heard and this behaviour is stopped.

“This positive result should send a clear message to those involved that we will take action against those who look to make others’ lives a misery with anti-social behaviour.”

The Rossendale neighbourhood policing team worked closely in partnership with the council and other key partners to obtain evidence and witness reports of the anti-social behaviour, as well as offering support to those who were most affected by it.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Andrew Snowden, added: "Anti-social behaviour is a blight on our communities and makes people feel unsafe in their homes and on the streets.

"This activity shows that officers take this type of behaviour and the impact it has on others, seriously and will utilise the powers they have to tackle it.

"It also highlights the importance of working with partners to make Lancashire a safer place and to tackle crime.

"I am continuing to work closely with the constabulary to further toughen up our response to ASB with the establishment of a specialist anti-social behaviour unit and a civil enforcement team.

"This builds on the investment I've made into neighbourhood policing and funding for community projects deterring crime, already seen in my first year in office.

"This will all help in addressing local ASB concerns and the ability to, when necessary, utilise closure orders and any other appropriate measures to make people feel safer.

"I have made clear that tackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority for us in Lancashire, as I lead the fight against crime and deliver on the issues that matter most to people.”

If you have concerns around anti-social behaviour, or wish to report nuisance to the police please visit www.lancashire.police.uk/doitonline