POLICE have issued a closure notice on a Taunton land after reports of anti-social behaviour.

Avon and Somerset previously said they were "targeting their patrols in response to reports of anti-social behaviour linked to a tent encampment in Priory Avenue".

Police issued the closure notice yesterday, (Tuesday, September 20) and confirmed "the tent-dwellers present moved on”.

Reports received by the police included threatening behaviour, public urination, and nakedness.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: “On Tuesday 20 September police issued a closure notice under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 on land at Priory Avenue where there had been ongoing reports of anti-social behaviour by the occupants of a tented encampment.

“After being issued with the notice, the tent-dwellers present moved on. An application will be made at Taunton Magistrates' Court tomorrow, (Thursday, September 22), for a three-month closure order on the land to prevent any further encampment.”

Somerset West and Taunton also provided an updated statement today, Wednesday, September 21, saying the council’s cleanings teams were removing litter from the site.

A spokesperson said: “The council has been working in partnership with Avon and Somerset Police to resolve this issue.

“Our Rough Sleeping Initiative team had been making continued efforts to engage with individuals on the encampment in an attempt to provide advice and support, and discuss accommodation options with those with a local connection to Somerset West and Taunton.

“Following the closure notice the council’s street cleansing teams are now clearing the site and removing waste and litter.”