TWO properties in a Bude housing estate have been closed by Devon and Cornwall Police.

The properties on Berries Avenue, namely numbers 4 and 12, have been made the subject of a three month closure order under the Anti Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.

It comes amid reports of suspected drug dealing, drug related violence and anti social behaviour at the two properties with the orders making it an offence for anyone to enter the properties during the period that the order is in place.

The closure order for 4, Berries Avenue was made in respect of Morgan Cross while the order for 12 Berries Avenue was made in respect of Nicole Barnett, with the orders also covering the communal gardens and parking areas of the properties.

Devon and Cornwall Police said that they will continue to ‘work alongside the tenants’ to ensure future crime prevention.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police’s Bude neighbourhood team said: “On Tuesday, June 3, we served closure orders at two addresses on Berries Avenue, after we received reports of suspected drug dealing, drug related violence and antisocial behaviour (ASB) happening in and around the properties.

“These included reports of people visiting the property at all hours of the day, including those who had taken illegal substances which led to further disturbances around the properties. Drug paraphernalia had also been found outside of the addresses.

“The closure order will now make it an offence for anyone to enter the premises for a three-month period. The tenants have been signposted to necessary support services while the closure order is in place.

“Whilst this is a temporary order, we will continue to work alongside the tenants to ensure future crime prevention. We hope this shows that we are listening to your reports and taking action to keep you safe.”