By Brian Allison

IN THE first move of its kind in Dundee a woman has been effectively banned from her own home for four weeks under new anti- social behaviour legislation.

At the sheriff court yesterday the city council and Tayside Police succeeded in obtaining a closure order for 28 days against Kimberley Grant (19) in respect of the flat at 4D Ballantrae Road in Douglas.

That means the tenement flat, of which Ms Grant is the owner-occupier, will be sealed and neither she nor anyone else will be permitted to enter it while the order is in force.

Failure to comply with the order carries a fine of up to £2500 or three months imprisonment, or both.

The solicitor acting for the council and the police had initially sought a closure order for three months but it was agreed between the parties that it should be limited to 28 days.

Sheriff Elizabeth Munro heard that the police and the council’s anti-social behaviour team had been called to 72 incidents at the premises dating back to April last year.

The incidents included complaints about loud music; fighting in the flat, the close and the street; verbal abuse; rubbish being left in and around the property; and doors being kicked at various times, including the early hours of the morning.

Following the court action city council administration leader Jill Shimi said, “This closure order is an indication of how seriously both Dundee City Council and Tayside Police take their responsibilities towards ensuring that law-abiding citizens can be spared from anti-social behaviour.

“We will make use of the new legislation to ensure that a very clear message of intent goes out to the minority of selfish people who make life a misery for others in the city.”

Councillor Shimi said the council, working closely with the police and other partners, would continue to take a tough approach against anti-social behaviour.

“We are absolutely committed to ensuring that people can get on with their lives in peace,” she said.

Superintendent Arron Duncan, deputy divisional commander of Central Division, said, “The Scottish Executive’s anti-social behaviour legislation has provided Tayside Police with a number of new tactical options for dealing with persistent anti-social behaviour.

“Instances of anti-social behaviour are assessed individually, often in partnership with Dundee City Council, and a tactic is selected that has both a good chance of success and which is proportionate to the problem.

“We all have a responsibility for tackling anti-social behaviour and we now have the powers to deal with this kind of behaviour and to bring respect back into our communities.

“Anti-social behaviour ruins lives, lowers expectations and threatens regeneration.”

Mr Duncan said there were no instant solutions and tackling the scourge of anti- social behaviour demanded a range of measures from prevention, early intervention and diversion through to sanctions and enforcement.

“The anti-social behaviour bill is delivering on these needs,” he said.