Three-month closure order on Taunton house for 'threatening and abusive behaviour'

A three-month closure order has been enforced on a house in Taunton linked to drug use, illegal substances and 'drugs paraphernalia' found there.

Last Thursday (June 1), Taunton Magistrates Court granted the order on the property in Enmore Road after residents were subjected to threatening and abusive behaviour.

Violence, affray, and loud disturbances are reported by the force to have happened on a regular basis at the house, which welcomed a number of visitors over the course of the day.

Help and support has been offered to the people involved by police and representatives from Somerset Council, the housing provider who supported the application.

This offer wasn't taken up.

Taunton Neighbourhood Policing PC James Breakwell said: "Utilising this legislation is always a last resort and we worked tirelessly to try and resolve issues, but unfortunately our efforts were in vain.

"Anti-social behaviour linked to drug use and supply cannot be condoned and the lives of the nearby residents were severely affected by it - with some feeling unsafe in their own home.

"I would like to thank them for having the courage to speak with us and would urge anyone to contact us if they are experience anything similar.

"We will continue to look to support those who are suffering with addiction issues; however we will not allow others' lives to be affected."

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Housing and Culture, said: “We take any breaches of tenancy that affect the community very seriously and work closely with the police to take decisive action where breaches of this nature occur.”

If you are struggling with addiction, find out more about support services on the Avon and Somerset Police website.

If you are experiencing anti-social behaviour or drug-related problems in your community, you can report it to the police.

Alternatively, you can report anonymously via Crimestoppers either online or by calling 0800 555 111.

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