A NEW power in the fight against anti-social behaviour has been used for one of the first times in the UK at a house in Northwich.

Weaver Vale Housing Trust has secured one of the first outright possession orders in the country using new legislation called Absolute Ground 7A for anti-social behaviour.

Following Class A drug dealing and anti-social behaviour at the property, the house, in Binney Road, was made subject to a three-month police closure order in July.

The trust's tenancy enforcement team then lodged a fast-track possession claim at Chester County Court when the resident threatened to return to the house.

The possession claim was based on the ‘Absolute Ground for Possession’, which was created under recent anti-social behaviour legislation.

This ground requires courts to order eviction in cases where a serious criminal offence has been committed, an injunction breached, or a closure order imposed.

The judge acknowledged that the legislation left him with no option but to grant the order.

The court listed the possession hearing urgently and on October 30 District Judge Newman made an outright possession order together with costs.

The tenant handed in the keys a few days later.

Matthew Cox, tenancy enforcement team leader at Weaver Vale Housing Trust, said: "We’re delighted with this result because it proved a quick and cost-effective way of getting the right outcome for the community.

"It’s also one of the first times this new power has been used in the country and we are leading the way in applying a very new area of law.

"Anyone who intends to use a trust property for criminal activity should be warned that we’re prepared to do the same again."