A residential property in Harold Hill has been shut by a court after ongoing incidents of anti-social behaviour and drug use.

The site, in Veronica Close, was issued a closure order after a hearing at Barkingside Magistrates Court on Friday (August 11).

The order stated that while the respondent failed to attend the hearing, the court considered witness statements by an anti-social behaviour officer and some residents.

The court, it said, was satisfied that there were grounds for closure and that it was necessary to do so to “prevent the behaviour, nuisance or disorder from continuing, recurring or occurring.”

Under the terms of the order, anyone is prohibited from entering or remaining on the premises except officers employed by Havering Council, police officers or officers by any other emergency services.

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The closure will remain in place for an initial period of three months that will come to an end at midnight on November 11.

Anyone found in breach of the order without a reasonable excuse will commit a criminal offence and be liable to be jailed for up to six months.

They could also alternatively be given an “unlimited fine” in place of imprisonment.

The order authorises the police to force entry to carry out any arrests in case of a breach.