A flat in Hemel Hempstead is now off-limits following suspected drug activity and anti-social behaviour.

Officers from the Dacorum Community Safety Unit gathered evidence following reports of chronic anti-social behaviour.

Despite the property in Figtree Hill, off Queensway being privately owned, a full closure order was granted at St Albans’ Magistrates Court on Wednesday 5 May.

Another flat owned by Dacorum Borough Council, in Heather Way, close to the junction with George Street has also received a closure order.

This prohibits anyone other than the emergency services, and utility companies in an emergency – from entering the premises for twelve weeks. Anyone found breaching this order could be arrested, with further action taken against them.

Sergeant Mike Saunders, from the Dacorum Community Safety Unit, said: “We hope this result will provide some much-needed respite from the chronic issues suffered by neighbours and help improve their quality of life.

“We will not tolerate this type of behaviour so if you have information about suspected drug activity and anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood, please don’t hesitate to report it to us because we will take it seriously.

“We will do all we can to prevent it from adversely affecting the lives of decent, law-abiding people who live nearby. I want to further reassure local residents that we will continue to monitor the situation and take further action if necessary.”