Barking and Dagenham Council has used court powers to completely close a property after reports were made that it was being used by drug dealers and users.

The Order means that nobody, including the tenant, is now allowed to enter the property for a three-month period.

Barking and Dagenham Council Enforcement Officers and the Metropolitan Police presented a case at court and applied for a full Closure Order, under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act to be placed on a property in Meadow Road, Dagenham.

The request came following reports that the flat was being used for drugs, offensive weapons seen in the front garden, fires being started in and around the property and other serious antisocial behaviour issues.

Prior to the application being made, meetings were held, and the tenant was offered supported housing due to them being known to mental health and drug and alcohol services. However, the tenant refused the offer.

The Closure Order was granted at Barkingside Magistrates Court on Thursday 22 June. The tenant attended and, on this occasion, requested alternative accommodation, so has been offered supported housing by the council’s Adult Social Care service.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “We take antisocial behaviour extremely seriously in Barking and Dagenham and if we get reports, we will always take action. Where this involves a vulnerable tenant we will always offer them support and alternative accommodation if they need it.

“Antisocial behaviour can cause sorts of issues for neighbours or visitors, so it is important that we address any issues. Everyone should be able to live in their home peacefully.”

The council is now preparing documents to attend court to take the property back.