NIGHTMARE neighbour Carl Fisher has been ordered out of his rented home after a court heard it was a magnet for class A drugs and weapons.

Deputy district judge Simon Morgan served a closure notice on the terrace house in Rothesay Road, Normacot, following a hearing at North Staffordshire Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Mr Fisher, aged 43, did not attend the hearing, but his solicitor spoke on his behalf.

The court heard that since Mr Fisher moved there in June 2009, neighbours suffered persistent anti-social behaviour.

This included fights and the use of swords and crossbows in the street, threats of violence towards them, drunk and disorderly behaviour and swearing.

The notice, which has been issued under the Anti-social Behaviour Act, also bans friends and relatives from going into the house until December 7.

An interim order banning entry to the property until yesterday was granted by North Staffordshire magistrates on August 24.

Trevor Vernon, representing Staffordshire Police at yesterday's hearing, said the anti-social behaviour had been going on since 2009, but he wished to concentrate on events from May 24 until July 31. He said police invention had little effect on the behaviour of Mr Fisher.

Mr Vernon said: "The statements of a number of residents of Rothesay Road have talked about how the effect of anti-social behaviour has impacted on their relatives and their families. Those statements clearly show there has been persistent, serious nuisance."

Judge Simon Morgan said: "The essence of this application is that the occupants have, since they became tenants of the property, effectively caused havoc at this address."

Inspector Elliott Sharrard-Williams said the order was an excellent result for the people of Rothesay Road, who had overcome fear of intimidation to give evidence.

He said: "Their lives have been blighted by the selfish actions of one man and his friends.

"I hope the message is clear – behave, be considerate of your neighbours and control people who come to your house, because if you or your visitors engage in serious and persistent anti-social behaviour, expect the police and council to come knocking.

"Today, a man has lost his home for at least the next three months and I'll use the same power again and again until those who engage in serious anti-social behaviour stop.

"Behave or get out of the community – that's the message I want the likes of Carl Fisher to understand."

A Rothesay Road resident, who did not want to be named, said she was overjoyed with the result. The mother-of-one said: "I think it is a good example of what communities can do when everyone works together.

"People in other areas can look at this result and see there is hope for them, too.

"It was a nightmare living near him. You weren't able to sleep at night."

Another neighbour, who also wished to remain anonymous, said: "He was making people's lives hell. We are hoping we will get some peace now."