A flat linked to drugs, anti-social behaviour and crime has been shut off from its occupants.

St Albans district council (SADC). together with Herts police, has executed a closure order on a property in Lycaste Close after it received persistent complaints of criminal behaviour.

The order means no unauthorised person, including the tenant, can enter the boarded-up property for three months on penalty of arrest.

SADC’s portfolio holder for the community, Cllr Salih Gaygusuz, said: “I am sure people living near this house will be delighted with the action we have taken.

“In recent weeks, we received persistent reports of antisocial and criminal behaviour, including drug dealing, linked to that address. In this case, we were able to compile considerable evidence during our investigations and intervened together with the police to put an end to it.”

He said the closure order shows SADC will not tolerate criminal behaviour in the district.

The council is now taking legal action at County Court to recover the flat it owns.

Insp Jon Roche of the St Albans Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “This is a great example of proactive work led by the Community Protection Team [at SADC] and supported by the police.

“We remain committed to supporting our partners in looking for ways we can improve the quality of life for those who reside in and visit St Albans.”

The city’s Ch Insp Stuart Cheek tweeted: “Pleased to announce some excellent partnership working with St Albans council in obtaining a closure order for an address in Lycaste Close, St Albans following links to drugs, crime and anti-social behaviour.

“Great result achieved through multi-agency working to support local residents.”

This is the first time SADC’s Community Protection team has obtained a closure order under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The act states closure orders can be made when a person has or is likely to engage in disorderly, offensive or criminal behaviour on a premises.

Insp Roche urged local residents to report criminal activity on 101 or, if it is in progress, on 999.