POLICE have been to court to win a closure order in an area blighted by drugs and anti-social behaviour.

A temporary three-month closure order covering the site between Chritchard Way and Priory Avenue has been granted by Taunton Magistrates' Court.

Officers acted on concerns raised by neighbours about activities in the area.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said issues such as "drug offences, anti-social behaviour and noise" had been reported to authorities.

The force worked 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.”

People can report antisocial behaviour in their neighbourhood via the Avon and Somerset Police website.