VISITORS are forbidden from entering two homes in Wokingham after police took action to deal heavily with “serious ongoing issues”.

Only support workers and the current residents of the homes, one in Longs Way and the other in Outfield Crescent, are allowed to enter the properties with all other visitors barred for a temporary period.

The move comes amid a crackdown on anti-social behaviour by Thames Valley Police after numerous reports of problems caused by people visiting the homes.

PC Maryann Shaw, anti-social behaviour officer for Bracknell and Wokingham, admitted police action so far would tackle only some of the big issues in the area.

She said: “We continue to tackle anti-social behaviour across the local policing area and are very pleased to have secured these closure orders in Wokingham.

“By working with our partners we are able to identify premises that are causing nuisance or disorder in the local area and deal with them in the most appropriate manner.

“We are aware that the actions taken so far will only tackle some of the overall issues in the vicinity. We will continue to monitor and take further action as necessary to improve the area for the local community. In order for us to do this it is vital that any incidents of anti-social behaviour are reported to us.”

Police will be put on the streets around the area to keep a check on disturbances and spot checks will continue to be made by the neighbourhood policing team, PC Shaw added.

The closure orders were granted at Reading Magistrates Court Thursday, June 2, under new 2014 legislation after police teamed up with Wokingham Borough Council and Sovereign Housing.

Cllr Julian McGhee Sumner, executive member for health and wellbeing, said: “Wokingham Borough Council takes action against perpetrators of anti-social behaviour in partnership with Thames Valley Police. For the police to apply for such an order and for the court to award it demonstrates the serious ongoing issues at these properties.”

Sovereign Housing confirmed they will monitor the closure order at Outfield Crescent closely and thanked the residents who stepped forward to provide the evidence needed for the police to step in.

The house in Longs Way will be subject to the order for 14 days while the property in Outfield Crescent will be restricted for three months.

Failure to comply with the order is an offence punishable by a maximum of three months’ imprisonment, a fine or both.