A council tenant has been banned from having visitors to his home following 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.

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

The court hearing on 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, cabinet member for housing and community services, said:

“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.”