A HOUSE in Newport described by police as a “haven” for prostitution and drug dealing has been boarded up.

Winstone Harvey, aged 73, of Windmill Square in Pill, was told at Newport Magistrates’ Court earlier today that he would not be allowed to return to his home for three months.

Gwent Police said the application for the closure order came as a result of “extreme” anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and drug use, as well as evidence of prostitution, at the Melin Homes property.

Police said the elderly tenant, and people he allowed to live at the address, caused distress to residents with shouting, swearing and fighting often being seen in the communal areas of the building and in the car park.

A police spokeswoman added: “Residents report people drinking alcohol and taking drugs in the stairways and there is a constant smell of urine and cannabis. Parties and loud music are also a complaint from residents and the behaviour from this property is having a severe detrimental effect on their daily lives."

In a statement made outside court, PC Paula Spence, Crime and Disorder Reduction Officer for Gwent Police, said: “We have carried out several drugs warrants at this address with Class A and B drugs being found and people charged and remanded as a result. There have been 18 incidents reported at the property in the last 11 months which range from people fighting, females being beaten up by the tenant, loud noise and drugs use.

“Without this closure order, this anti-social behaviour will continue, leaving residents in fear of living in their own homes. The closure order will now give them the much needed respite from the significant and persistent disorder associated with this address.

“This behaviour is totally unacceptable and we will continue to make these applications to the court, in order to restore the peace and comfort of residents.”

The house will now be closed for three months – the maximum period available to the court – and steel shutters added to the windows. Anyone attempting to re-enter the property during this time will be arrested.

Mark Gardner, chief executive of Pontypool-based Melin Homes, said they "fully supported" the order.

He added: “We are reassured that Gwent Police pursued this line of action in a bid to safeguard our residents from any further distress or danger as Melin has a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour.”