A HOUSE in Bridgwater has been shut down amid reports of drug-related anti-social behaviour (ASB) – including drug dealing, fighting, shouting and criminal damage.

The Homes in Sedgemoor-owned property, in Fairfax Road, has been shut for three months and returned to the firm’s management after an order was issued at Taunton Magistrates’ Court.

It will remain closed to all people for the duration of the order, which could be extended after the initial three months, with anyone who enters the property committing an offence and facing arrest.

The closure comes after a Community Protection Warning was issued to the occupant in November 2024 in relation to ASB and crime at the address.

Reported issues included drug dealing, suspected violence, shouting, fighting, banging on doors, criminal damage, and high numbers of visitors coming to and from the address at all times of day and night, some of whom stayed days at a time and were known by the police for various offences, the court was told.

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For example, on January 27 this year, neighbourhood police officers found a woman at the property who was wanted on warrant for thefts. She was arrested and removed from the property.

Some visitors had also been identified as highly vulnerable and at risk of exploitation, police said, and on February 22, officers were alerted to a man suspected of being held against his will at the home.

He was identified as a vulnerable person, with diagnosed autism and mental health problems, and safeguarding measures were put in place to protect him from further harm.

Most recently, a Section 8 search warrant was carried out at the address under the Police and Criminal Justice Act.

Three people were arrested at the property and a mobile police station was set up nearby to reassure and provide support to residents.

After the closure was announced, a neighbour remarked: “The street is the quietest it’s been in 15 years, so I want to thank you.”

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Neighbourhood Inspector Sarah Knight said: “The closure of this property is a huge relief for residents on the street. They can finally live their lives without fear of abuse, crime, noise and drug dealing.

“I cannot overestimate how much of a toll it takes on a person’s wellbeing to reside near persistent anti-social behaviour for months and, in this case, years.

“I’m grateful for the community’s patience, resilience and due diligence in reporting issues. It’s because of neighbour reports and impact statements that we were able to build a robust case to put before the court and secure the order.

“This process took time in order to gather evidence and provide sufficient support to the occupant of the offending property. Nevertheless, I hope this closure will reassure Somerset residents that reporting issues does make a difference.”