TWO Newport homes have been boarded up – in a bid to stop anti-social behaviour.

The houses - on Old Barn Estate in St Julians, and Barthropp Street, Lliswerry - had become haven’s for late-night parties, alcohol-related street fights and overflowing rubbish, police say.

They have been secured for the next three months, at least, after community members said they were intimidated and worried for the safety of their families in each area.

Newport East Neighbourhood Policing Teams obtained anti-social behaviour closure orders from Newport Magistrates Court on Thursday November 14.

Crime and disorder reduction officer, PC Leanne Pole, provided evidence for each separate closure order, and said the occupants and their associates were allegedly supplying drugs from the properties and causing anti-social behaviour.

Residents in both areas told police that there would be visitors constantly hanging around in the street, shouting and swearing, and there would often be late night parties with loud music.

As a result, steel shutters have been installed at each address.

Anyone who attempts to enter the properties within three months can be arrested by police.

Sergeant Scott Askew, of Maindee Neighbourhood Policing Team, whose team oversaw the Old Barn closure said: “Residents in Newport have the absolute right to live in a peaceful environment where they don’t fear for their safety. Anyone compromising this should expect action to be taken.

“We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour of any kind and I would urge other members of the community whose lives are affected by drug dealing, to let us know so that we can address it.

“We will work closely with housing providers in the area to crack down on problematic tenants and we would like to thank Newport City Homes, who we have worked closely with, in obtaining this order.”

Anyone who suspects that a premises is being used for the supply of illegal drugs can contact Gwent Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

More than 20,000 residents in Gwent use OWL, the on-line neighbourhood watch. See - www.owl.co.uk/gwent