Police have shuttered a flat in central Bath after ongoing drug use and anti-social behaviour severely disrupted the local community. On July 14, Bath Magistrates' Court granted a three-month closure order for the property in Abbey Green Courtyard, banning all individuals from entering the flat.
The closure follows a suspected firearms incident at the flat on April 23, which caused widespread distress among residents and local businesses. Several shops and cafes in the area were forced to close during the incident, resulting in significant financial losses.
Reported issues linked to the flat include frequent public order offences such as shouting and swearing, drug use and suspected dealing, and individuals sought refuge inside the property. Criminal damage was also noted, including forceful kicking of the flat’s door and handling of stolen goods.
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Police Sergeant Michelle Munro, of the Bath City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, commented: “The persistent drug activity and related disorder spilling into public spaces have had a severe impact on the community. The occupant and visitors’ anti-social and often aggressive behaviour caused distress and disruption, forcing some businesses to halt trading temporarily.
“We understand community frustration regarding the speed of the police response. We are reinforcing local neighbourhood policing teams to better support residents and tackle anti-social behaviour and crime on our streets.
“This complex case involved ongoing efforts to manage the occupant’s behaviour through support offers and injunctions, which were ultimately ignored, leaving no option but to seek a court closure order.
“With today’s court ruling, residents and businesses can finally resume their daily activities without fear, restoring safety and calm in the area.”
A closure notice was initially served to the tenant on June 30 and extended until the court hearing on July 14.
Laurence Swan, owner of The Bath Bun and Hands Georgian Tearooms, expressed relief at the closure, stating: “The Abbey Quarter Business Association has long raised concerns about the tenant’s anti-social behaviour over nearly nine years. We’re disappointed it took so long, but welcome the opportunity for local businesses to operate without fear of abuse or violence.
“We thank Avon and Somerset Police and key stakeholders, including Bath BID, local security teams, and Curo housing association, who were instrumental in achieving this outcome.”
Andrew Snee, Director of Housing at Curo, added: “Supporting communities is central to our mission. We worked closely with Avon and Somerset Police to secure this closure order. We take all reports of anti-social behaviour seriously and value our partnership with the police to help keep communities stronger and safer.”
Kelly Parsons, Anti-Social Behaviour Manager at Avon and Somerset Police, encouraged residents to report issues: “Community reports are vital to identifying and managing anti-social behaviour. Our dedicated ASB team uses a range of legal measures, including closure orders and criminal proceedings, to address persistent issues.
“If you experience anti-social behaviour harming your neighbourhood, please come forward. We can use anonymised evidence from residents and businesses to support court applications.”