A Watford home that was boarded up over suspected drug dealing and antisocial behaviour has been reopened.

The Albanwood property, near Leavesden Green, was closed on February 1 while two people were taken to court over drug offences, meaning anyone stepping inside could be arrested and have further action taken against them.

The court order was renewed on May 1 to allow the Hightown Housing Association to regain possession of the flat, but yesterday (July 31) residents raised concerns after the metal gratings over doors and windows were seen being taken away.

Police after the closure order was renewed for another three months.Police after the closure order was renewed for another three months. (Image: Hertfordshire Police) A police spokesperson has confirmed that the three-month extension expired yesterday, adding: “Closure orders are designed to allow temporary respite to local residents, they cannot be longer than six months in total under the Antisocial Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.”

Residents had voiced fears to the force over the property’s impact locally, and police said it continued to cause misery for neighbours even after warnings and repeat visits.

At the hearing, St Albans Magistrates’ Court was shown documented examples of late night antisocial behaviour, vehicle damage and drug dealing.

Just over a week before the closure, police raided the flat on January 19 and arrested a 38-year-old woman and 19-year-old man, and seized cocaine and amphetamine.

Nicola Watkins, formerly of Albanwood, was given a 12-month conditional discharge at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on February 6 after she pleaded guilty to cocaine possession.

Flavio Ca-Landim, of Wenlock Street in Islington, was also fined £240 and ordered to pay £96 in court costs after he admitted possessing methylamphetamine at Hatfield Magistrates' Court on February 23.

When asked if it believed the previous issues had been resolved, a spokesperson for Hightown Housing said: “We are committed to tackling antisocial behaviour and we will continue to work in partnership with the police and our residents to address any further reports."

Speaking after the closure was renewed, Inspector Dan Jones said he hoped it served as a “strong message” that police will work with housing providers and other community representatives “to deal with problematic residents who are intent on disrupting the community”.