RESIDENTS have succeeded in getting an alleged drugs den and brothel closed - and the occupier of the house temporarily evicted.

Raymond Duncan, 64, was ordered to leave his council home in Teare Close, in the Newport area of Middlesbrough, for three months, after a district judge granted a closure order at Teesside Magistrates' Court, yesterday.

Neighbours who kept a written log of incidents at the house were applauded by a regeneration partnership and Cleveland Police for the part they played in gaining the order.

West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust, that heads the £52m New Deal for Communities programme aimed at regenerating West Middlesbrough, has worked with Cleveland Police and residents to gather evidence against the nuisance neighbour, who was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of managing and keeping a brothel.

Trust enforcement officer Sharon Carr said: "A catalogue of evidence was prepared against the man and residents were encouraged to make statements and keep diaries to log the verbal abuse and threats they were getting. The police couldn't have taken this case any further without them."

Edna Donnelly, vice-chairwoman of the trust, said: "The issue of drugs and prostitution around this property have made a lot of people's lives a misery over the past couple of years and I'm delighted this action has been taken. It's a victory for commonsense."

Police Sergeant Martin Campbell said: "We sincerely hope that residents will soon be given back the peace and quiet they rightfully deserve."

The trust and police will now work with Middlesbrough Council to seek Mr Duncan's permanent eviction from the property.

Mr Duncan could not be contacted for comment.