COLCHESTER’S district commander has encouraged residents to come forward with concerns about anti-social behaviour after courts imposed a closure order on a block of flats in the city.

Colin Cox, who oversees Essex Police’s operations in Colchester, has said contacting the police is the first point of call for people whose lives are being affected by violence, threats, and drug abuse.

The announcement comes as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour after Colchester Borough Homes obtained a closure order from the magistrates’ court.

The order prevents anyone from entering or remaining at 24 Chant Court, in St John’s Road, for three months.

One neighbour, Sam French, said she had seen the police attending the block of flats on numerous occasions over the years, and another neighbour said she had seen police as recently as Thursday.

Chief Insp Cox said Essex Police will continue to tackle the issue.

He said: “We know that anti-social behaviour is not in any way a low-level crime.

“I would encourage anyone who has experienced anti-social behaviour to report it to us.

“You may not see immediate action but all reports feed into our patrol plans and helps to ensure we have an accurate picture of the city and where to focus our resources.”