Police and NFDC partially close flats at Fraser Court and Somerville Court on Marryat Road, New Milton

Visitors have been banned from flats in a New Milton road after a raft of antisocial behaviour.

Partial closure orders have been granted at properties in Fraser Court and Somerville Court in Marryat Road after complaints about drug-related activity, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, which have “affected the quality of life” for nearby residents.

The district council and New Milton Neighbourhood Policing Team to gathered evidence and applied for the order, which was approved at Southampton Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Thursday).

It means no one apart from the tenants and authorised people can enter the properties for the next three months. If they do, they may be arrested and fined, or handed a prison sentence.

PC Rachel Gallimore, said: “We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and drug-related activity – and the associated harm that is often associated with these offences – within our local communities.

“These addresses have been a blight on the local community and I’m pleased to say, through the dedicated work of partners and local officers, that we have been able to secure these partial closure orders.

“We are grateful for the local community who have provided information to us about issues linked to drugs supply and anti-social behaviour."

She added: “We will continue to target individuals, including their associated addresses, who remain insistent on causing harm and misery in our communities, through their involvement with drugs.

“We hope this reassures the public that we simply won’t tolerate this type of behaviour and offending, and will work in partnership to explore every avenue to put a stop to it.

NFDC’s cabinet member for housing, Cllr Steve Davies, said: “No-one should have to live with fear or ongoing disruption in their home or neighbourhood. This order has been put in place to protect residents and bring peace back to the area.

“Tackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority for the council and our police partners. We’re taking action and will soon be asking for views on our housing ASB strategy to help shape how we respond in future.”

Residents who see anyone entering the properties without permission can report it to the police on 101 or online at hampshire.police.uk