A Macclesfield home has been closed for three months in response to persistent drug use and anti-social behaviour.

Officers from Macclesfield Local Policing Unit (LPU) secured a closure order for the two-storey house on Mill Road on Wednesday 28 April.

Officers applied for the order, which was granted by Chester Magistrates' Court under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, after gathering a catalogue of evidence in relation to numerous anti-social behaviour and drug related issues connected to the property.

Following the hearing the 33-year-old tenant has been removed from the property and the address has been boarded up shut.

Chief Inspector David Moores, head of Macclesfield Local Policing Unit, said: "Over recent months there have been numerous reports of drug related activity and anti-social behaviour connected to this property.

"The behaviour of the tenant was totally unacceptable and had a significant detrimental impact on the quality of life of local residents.

"People should be able to live in their homes without having to endure this sort of behaviour and this closure order is another example of our commitment to targeting those who undermine our communities and bring misery to residents."

Over the next three months regular checks of the flat will be conducted to ensure the closure order is not breached.

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If anyone is found to have breached the order they are liable to arrest and up to six months in prison, or a £5,000 fine. They may also be susceptible to both.

Chief Inspector Moores added: "This week has seen the culmination of our efforts to tackle ASB on Mill Road which has centred on one specific property.

"Despite the enforcement action we had previously taken the problems continued and so we were left with no option but to apply for the closure order. This will leave the house boarded up and stop the nuisance coming from it.

"I want to reassure residents that the team here at Macclesfield will continue to focus their attention on people who are complacent with allowing their properties to be used for antisocial or criminal activity, and anyone who does so risks losing their home.

"I want to thank the local residents for their support. Officers will continue to monitor the property over the coming months to ensure that there are no breaches of the closure order."

Anyone who is concerned about anti-social behaviour in their community is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 or provide the details via www.cheshire.police.uk/tua .

Alternatively residents can report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Nub News reported last month that drug crime is on the rise outside of Macc, having doubled in Bollington.

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