A TOWN centre crack den has been closed by police.

The three month closure notice, which was signed off by magistrates this morning, bans anyone except 54-year-old resident Stephen Strange, close family members and the authorities from entering the home.

Wiltshire Police said local drug users and dealers had been using the home as a base from which to take and deal drugs. Complaints had been sent to the council about the house and anti-social behaviour in a nearby alleyway.

A/Sgt Mason Johnson said: “I am pleased that we have been successful in obtaining this order – it is an excellent piece of legislation that provides police officers with the necessary powers in order to conduct regular welfare checks on the occupant of the address, as well as preventing anyone not mentioned on the order from remaining in the premises.

“The anti-social behaviour that the neighbouring residents have had to endure is not acceptable and I’m hopeful that this order will assist in rectifying the issue.

“I would like to thank the local residents of Faringdon Road for their co-operation and patience whilst this case was brought before the court."

The order lasts for three months. Breaching the order is a criminal offence.