Police successfully obtain closure order after antisocial behaviour in Taunton

Police have acted upon concerns of people in Taunton about antisocial behaviour by obtaining a three-month closure order.

A temporary three-month closure order for the area between Chritchard Way and Priory Avenue was granted by magistrates on Thursday 22 September.

Issues, including drug offences, antisocial behaviour and noise, have been reported to authorities and led to Avon and Somerset Police working with Somerset West and Taunton Council to seek a resolution through the courts to prevent further encampments.

Inspector Mike Griffiths said: “We are grateful to everyone who raised the issues in this area to us. It enabled us to target patrols in the area and ultimately seek a closure order under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

“Through partnership working with the local authority we have been able to achieve a positive resolution through the courts for the people of Taunton and send a clear message that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We’d continue to ask anyone who experiences such issues in their neighbourhood to report it to police. We have a dedicated page on our website to make that as easy as possible.”