A flat which had been turned into a drugs den in Bath city centre was shut down today after a judge approved a closure order to protect other residents.

Avon and Somerset Police and landlord Sanctuary Shaftesbury’s, applied for the order, which is used to stamp out anti-social and criminal behaviour, for a flat at Parsonage Lane following a number of drugs raids at the property in the past year. 

Tenant Rebecca Christie, 26, did not appear in court to hear the order but was evicted from the property, which was later boarded up.

The orders, commonly known as “crack house” orders, are used to seal properties for up to six months if Class A drugs are being used at or dealt from premises.

Police had also applied for the same order to cover number another flat in Parsonage Lane but this request has now been withdrawn and that case, affecting the home of 21-year-old Luella Jones, dropped.

Judge David Parsons heard evidence from PC Sharon Duncan at Bath Magistrates Court, who had attended a raid at Christie's flat in January, one of four since July.

She said had come across a number of items including drug paraphernalia and home-made bongs - used for smoking cocaine.

Andy Tapper, Bath and North East Somerset Council’s anti-social behaviour team officer, also gave evidence about complaints made by other residents regarding noise and disturbance from the flat.

Judge Parsons said he needed to impose the order in the interests of the other residents.

He said: “It is clear to me from the description from Mr Tapper and PC Sharon Duncan that this lady has caused a lot of misery to those who live in around here and it is time they were able to recover from the anti-social behaviour that the class A drug habit has caused.”

He said the interests of the residents outweighed those of Christie.

“On that basis it is entirely appropriate to close the premises.”

Mr Tapper said residents had suffered for too long and hoped now that their problems would be over.

He said: “I have been working in partnership with the police and the housing association to look at the effect that this resident has had on other residents and the community at large.

“That is the reason this action was taken and the granting of the order will offer respite to other residents and the community at large, from the problem of anti-social behaviour they have experienced.

“Some have told us they were too scared to open their front doors at night. Now their problems should be over.”

Sgt Richard Durnford, of the police city centre team, added: “Residents and local businesses have been complaining to us about drug-taking at the flat. Their lives have been made a misery.

“This closure order sends out a clear message that drug-taking and the anti-social behaviour that goes with it is not acceptable and will not be tolerated in Bath.

“We are committed to improving the quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors to the city and making people feel safe and be safe.

“We will continue to target this area and any other where there is a problem. This closure today shows that we will take action when people ask us and put a stop to drug-taking and anti-social behaviour.”

Chief Supt Gary Davies - the head of police in B&NES - also praised the order.

He said: “This is another example of setting the standards of behaviour that are acceptable in Bath.

“We will not allow drug dealers to take a foothold in our city.”

Sanctuary Shaftesbury’s regional manager Richard Keeley thanked the residents for their continued support.

He added: “We take all issues of anti-social behaviour and illegal practices very seriously and will take whatever steps are necessary to help prevent this kind of activity, including by working in partnership with residents and agencies such as the police.

“Today’s decision reflects what can be achieved when we work together and I would like to thank our residents for their continued support.

“I am sure the whole community is pleased with this outcome, which we are confident will restore harmony to the area.”

If you are worried about drugs in your neighbourhood, contact the police on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. ​