Legal powers have been used to ban a troublesome tenant from having any visitors inside their property, following reports of drug use and anti-social behaviour.

Barking and Dagenham Council and the Metropolitan Police applied to the courts for a partial closure order, under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act, to be placed on a flat in Bateman Close, Barking.

The order stops anyone who does not live at the address or named individuals visiting for a period of three months. Anyone found in breach could be arrested and imprisoned.

The move followed reports of anti-social behaviour, drug use, and noise disturbances taking place at the address.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: “Anti-social behaviour can cause misery and we will pursue all avenues to address it. Despite being given several chances, the resident failed to turn things around, leaving the council little choice but to take this next step.

“We don’t make these decisions lightly, but everyone deserves the right to live in their homes safely and peacefully.”

The partial closure order was granted at Barkingside Magistrates Court on Tuesday 18 April.

To report anti-social behaviour, visit lbbd.gov.uk/community-safety-and-crime/make-report/antisocial-behaviour.