A COUNCIL house in East Oxford has been shut down to stop it being used for drug-dealing and anti-social behaviour.

A closure order has been placed on the property in Richardson Court on Bath Street, which means that nobody can get into the house other than police officers, Oxford City Council officers and other agents.

The order was granted by Oxford Magistrates’ Court on July 18 and it will last for three months.

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The court heard that anti-social behaviour, including verbal abuse of neighbours and drug dealing has been taking place from the house – which is owned by the council.

Councillor Nigel Chapman, the cabinet member for safer communities and customer focussed services said: “If anyone in Oxford is living with anti-social behaviour or drug dealing taking place next door, then please get in touch with us by emailing saferoxford@oxford.gov.uk

“As this case shows, we take these issues very seriously and we will take action.”