A flat which is thought to have been used as a base for drug dealing and drug use has been issued with a closure order.

Police have been investigating a flat in Gemini Park, Manor Way, in Borehamwood, following complaints from neighbours.

Officers from Hertsmere Community Safety Unit have secured a three month closure order at the address following a hearing at St Albans Magistrates Court on May 11.

The court was satisfied that all the criteria had been met in order to serve the order.

The magistrate agreed that a person had engaged or was likely to engage in criminal or disorderly behaviour at the flat, and that the use of the flat had resulted in serious nuisance to the public, as well as a cause for disorder in the area.

The closure order would usually prevent anyone from entering the property for three months and anyone who breaches the order can be arrested.

However, the sole occupant of the flat has been allowed to remain in the address. Police believe the person living in the flat was "powerless" to stop what was happening in their own home.

Community safety sergeant Ricki Vaughan said: “To help us in the fight against drugs in Hertsmere and associated anti-social behaviour (ASB), we have been working closely with our partner agencies to put a permanent stop to these crimes. Securing a closure order is a significant part of helping us to achieve that.

“For many months we responded to complaints alongside Hertsmere Borough Council and Trinity Housing Association about the ASB and suspected drug use and drug dealing at the property.

“By taking this action to close the addresses, we hope to provide some respite from the on-going issues that cause such misery for neighbours and improve the quality of life for our local communities.

“On this occasion we did not apply to remove the sole occupant from the address, just to restrict people attending. It was clear in this particular situation that drug dealers had effectively taken over a vulnerable person’s home and they were powerless to what was going on around them in their own home. This order will therefore also serve to safeguard the occupant.

“I would urge local residents to please continue to report anything of concern to us via the non-emergency number 101 and if you witness a crime or ASB in progress dial 999.”