A DUDLEY council tenant has been banned from having visitors to his home after complaints of anti-social behaviour and suspected criminal activity.

Magistrates imposed a partial closure order for three months on the home of Andrew Thompson in Kinfare Rise, Upper Gornal, last week.

Imposed at Dudley Magistrates Court in the 62-year-old’s absence - the order bans anyone from entering the property except the defendant, his daughter, Dudley Council officers and emergency services.

The court hearing last Wednesday heard the council was seeking the order on the grounds of “disorderly, offensive and criminal behaviour” at the premises, causing “serious nuisance” to members of the public.

Councillor Laura Taylor, Dudley's cabinet member for housing and community services, said: "We are pleased with the ruling from the court.

"We have received numerous complaints over a period of many months about activities and comings and goings at the property, and it became clear that the tenant was acting in breach of his tenancy agreement.

"This is an important first step, and if the tenant does not comply with the order we will not hesitate to take further action."