AN alleged drugs den in Worcester has been closed down and the owner who had been dubbed 'a neighbour from hell' has been kicked out.

The closure order has been served on 60 Malvern Road, St John's, Worcester which means all occupants have been excluded for at least three months.

Officers from West Mercia Police said the private house in the heart of St John's had become a focus for anti-social behaviour including drug use, reports of disorder and loud music, causing nuisance to neighbours.

Holly Lancaster, who was branded a 'neighbour from hell' by district judge Nigel Cadbury at a court hearing in Worcester last month, lived at the private two-storey semi-detached house.

We previously reported how she had failed to abide by an order (community protection order) forbidding her from playing loud music or allowing large groups to gather.

Now she has to find somewhere else to stay after her home was sealed with metal shutters following two positive warrants at the address.

On Friday, May 1 Worcester Magistrates Court issued a Closure Order under section 80 of the anti-social behaviour, Police and Crime Act 2014 against 60, Malvern Road, Worcester. This means that all occupants will be excluded from the property for a three month period, lasting until July 31. Sgt John Lawrence said: "This result follows a year-long problem with allegations of drug use and anti-social behaviour linked to the address. This has caused a great deal of concern to the local residents. "Since August 2014 there have been two positive drug warrants at the address and, as a response to continued concerns from the local community, the homeowner was issued with a Community Protection Notice in March this year.

"This was under the new anti-social behaviour legislation and was the first of its kind issued in the West Mercia Police area.

"Unfortunately the problems continued and Temporary Police Sgt Tom Clayton took the lead in the application of the process to obtain the Court Closure Order.

"This has been put in place to finally resolve the issues to the satisfaction of the community. It is rare for such an order to be used against private dwellings.

"This is a great result for the local residents and marks the conclusion of a protracted efforts by T/PS Tom Clayton, the St John's and Bedwardine Policing team, patrol officers and the local community. "This local teamwork is a fine example of the police working with the local community to tackle matters of concern and shows a willingness to use the latest legislation to solve problems." Lancaster, aged 34, was arrested on March 26 following a raid on her home (see picture) as part of Operation Protect.

We pictured an officer in protective gear battering their way through the door using an enforcer, a heavy metal battering ram.

Lancaster, a widow after her husband died of a heart attack, did not abide by the order and was also found to be in possession of £10 of M-Cat Worcester Magistrates Court was told last month.

She admitted both offences.