Sneinton flat will be boarded up for months after becoming 'magnet' for drugs

A Nottingham flat will be boarded up for months after becoming a "magnet" for crimes including drug dealing. Nottinghamshire Police says 76 Bentinck Court on Bath Street in Sneinton was closed following scores of complaints from neighbours and passers-by.

The property was first closed on November 13 after a closure order was granted at Nottingham Magistrates' Court. That order, banning anyone from entering the flat, will now be in place for three months.

Anyone breaching the order by entering the property could face a fine or prison. Nottingham City Council first submitted an application to shut the property, supported by neighbourhood police.

A Nottingham City Council spokesperson said: "This action has offered immediate respite to the local community and residents have reported that they have already noticed a significant reduction in antisocial behaviour, and are feeling safer and more secure in their homes. Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire Police will continue to work in partnership to tackle the most serious antisocial behaviour and criminality in our communities and will use all powers at our disposal."

Police Constable Matthew Mason, of Nottinghamshire Police, added: "This address had sadly become a magnet for crime and antisocial behaviour that was making residents' lives a misery. Neighbourhood police teams and the Nottingham City Council ASB team have carried out a lengthy and detailed investigation into what had been happening in and around the property.

"The community had the confidence in their local police team to provide the evidence police and our partners needed to take positive action and shut it down. Nobody should have to live in fear of their neighbours and we simply won't tolerate this kind of behaviour.

"I hope it also serves as a warning to other tenants about what could happen to them if they behave in this way. This result has only been possible thanks to close and coordinated partnership between police and our council partners."