A residential block run by charity Mind has been closed to visitors for three months after reports of a fight and drug taking.

The Cowley Road premises was made subject to a three month partial closure order at Oxford Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Thames Valley Police brought the application, which was supported by the housing manager at the Mind-owned facility, following reports of anti-social behaviour linked to the building.

PC Glynn McCarthy told the justices that the property, on Cowley Road, was a refuge for people who had been street homeless.

“There have been over the past few weeks – two to three weeks – several people attending the address at all hours of the day, taking drugs, getting drunk, causing anti-social behaviour,” he said.

On August 26, police were called to reports of a fight at the property in which a member of the public was assaulted.

The constable said staff at the supported living accommodation had tried to ‘contain’ the problem, sanctioning one resident and attempting to ban visitors.

Their efforts had not been successful, with PC McCarthy saying he felt the ‘more draconian’ option of a partial closure order were now more appropriate.

The order prevents anyone except from named residents, staff, Oxford Health staff members and emergency service crews from going into the property.

Dan Knowles, chief executive of Oxfordshire Mind said: “We run supported housing for local people living with complex, severe and enduring mental health problems. This type of accommodation allows our residents to live as independently as possible.

"On rare occasions, difficulties arise between residents and visitors. Staff at Oxfordshire Mind have been working closely with the local police, and the Oxfordshire Adult Safeguarding Board, to reduce the negative impact anti-social behaviour has been having on all the residents.” 

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