A HOME in Taunton linked to violent behaviour where neighbours "lived in fear" has been boarded up.

A closure order was imposed on the property in Kershaw Close after Taunton Magistrates' Court heard of incidents of criminal damage, public disturbances and anti-social behaviour.

The court was told that the house had become "a hub for anti-social and violent behaviour".

The combined efforts of police officers and staff from housing association LiveWest resulted in the property being placed under a closure order for three months.

The order was granted at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, October 12.

The terms of the order mean that those people living there have been evicted and everybody apart from those specified in the order is prohibited from entering the premises at all times and in all circumstances for the next three months.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said residents "lived in fear due to the intimidating and fearful behaviour of those who loitered around the property".

They were often verbally abused and threatened and would regularly witness fights outside the address.

Disturbances and arguments were often heard coming from the house, and neighbours found their property being damaged by those linked to the address.

The force’s Somerset anti-social behaviour manager Cerwyn Pritchard said: “Residents in Kershaw Close were left feeling unsafe in their own homes and fearing for their wellbeing.

“The house was often linked with anti-social behaviour in the town as well as criminal activity.

"To subject neighbours to this kind of behaviour is despicable and hopefully this will act as a deterrent to others.

“We hope this closure order is well received by the community and will discourage this kind of anti-social behaviour in the area.”

Michelle Kent, enforcement team leader for LiveWest, said: “We take all reports of anti-social behaviour extremely seriously.

"Everyone should have the right to feel safe in their own home, and we are committed to working with our partners to take action whenever issues arise.”

Anyone experiencing issues with anti-social behaviour in their area can report it via the Avon and Somerset Police website.