RESIDENTS who "bravely" stood up to neighbours terrorising their street have been praised after three homes in Wokingham and Bracknell were boarded up by police. 

A partnership between anti-social behaviour officers, local police teams and Wokingham Borough Council has resulted in the closure of three properties in Norreys Avenue and Mount Lane after neighbours complained of criminal behaviour and disorder in the area.

Wokingham councillor Julian McGhee-Sumner said the closure orders granted by Reading Magistrates Court will bring relief to the communities that have suffered anti-social behaviour for a "sustained period of time".

He said:"Wokingham Borough Council work closely with partners to reduce and prevent anti-social behaviour in its communities. The closure orders will bring relief to communities that have suffered anti-social behaviour over a sustained period of time.

"I would like to place on record our gratitude to members of the community who have bravely stood up to the perpetrators of this behaviour."

The Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 allows police to shut off homes to everyone, including the owners, for three months. 

A full closure order was granted for one property in Norreys Avenue last Wednesday (Oct 26) and a partial closure order was granted for a further property in the same street.

A partial order was also imposed on a property in Mount Lane, Bracknell, last Thursday.

PC Maryann Shaw of the Early Intervention Policing Team said: "The closure orders are designed to reduce anti-social behaviour suffered by other residents in the area.

"This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and we will continue to work with partner agencies to tackle these types of issues."

Anyone affected by anti-social behaviour can contact the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 and ask to speak to the local neighbourhood team.