POLICE and housing officers have closed a house linked to drug crime.

A closure order has been secured on a property in Swan Lane, Oswestry by Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing (STAR Housing) alongside police.

The property was being investigated by police and STAR Housing after complaints about people using the property in an anti-social manner, several reports of crime and the execution of drug warrants.

Sue Adams, managing director of STAR, said: “The closure was sought following a number of drug warrants being executed at the property, and numerous complaints regarding the address and the behaviour of the tenant and associates.

“We take reports like this very seriously and, along with our partner agencies, have worked extremely hard for a number of months to gather evidence to support the application."

STAR Housing obtained the order - which bans anyone from entering the property for three months - in conjunction with with West Mercia and Merseyside Police and with support from Shropshire Council’s legal team.

The closure order was granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 at Telford Magistrates court today (Friday, June 29).

Ms Adams added: "This drugs closure order will send out a strong message to the community that STAR Housing will not tolerate anti-social behavior in our homes or communities, and if found in possession of drugs or concerned in the supply of drugs we will seek possession of your home.

"We are committed to improving people’s lives, and are doing so by taking a strong stance against anti-social behavior and drug abuse in our community.

“Joint working to obtain this closure oder demonstrates the importance of working in partnership with the Police and enforcement agencies and we’re pleased that this will see the end of the anti-social behaviour issues the area has been experiencing.

“We would continue to urge members of the community to report any anti-social behaviour of this nature to the police and STAR Housing.”

To report an incident of anti-social behaviour call West Mercia Police on 101 or STAR Housing on 0333 3212 200, then choose option four and select the relevant area.