Drug dealing, fighting, noise and intimidation complaints sparked a flat to be shutdown by police - and now the occupant is set to be re-homed.

Anti-social behaviour plagued the Ashford property to the point one elderly person had to move from her home for health reasons, while neighbouring children reported being unable to sleep.

Trevor Grant, 54, of Park Place, was served the two month closure order at Folkestone Magistrate's Court today (Wednesday).

Following the hearing sergeant Simon Clarke claimed the occupant had continued to allow the flat to be used for moving class A drugs, despite a number of warnings.

"This flat has been the root of persistent problems and nuisance to residents with people visiting the property at all hours, openly drug dealing and causing noise and intimidation," he said.

"These types of issues can make people’s lives a misery and we hope the work undertaken to gather a case for this order will reassure the community that we do not tolerate it and we will respond with appropriate action.

"We are grateful for the support shown by residents and Ashford Borough Council and we will continue to actively pursue orders on other properties if they are associated with ongoing incidents of anti-social behaviour or drug activity."

Prosecuting barrister Angelica Rokand told magistrates the flat caused a "serious nuisance to the public" and officers shutdown the premises on Saturday.

It came after the police carried out two warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act this year where drugs and a knife were seized.

Grant, a confessed drug addict, told magistrates he'd changed his ways and pleaded for an adjournment, however, the order was carried out for "the benefit of residents."

Now the flat has been boarded up, and anyone seen entering could be arrested.

Cllr Gerald White, Ashford Borough Council portfolio holder for housing, said: "The council welcomes this court ruling.

"We have a zero tolerance policy towards drug use and other criminal and anti-social behaviour associated with our properties.

"This ruling sends out a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated."

Sergeant Clarke added: "This court order means that no one can enter this property for two months without committing a criminal offence. We hope that residents will see an improvement in their quality of life."

Grant told the court he was unaware the situation had become so severe, and is now in talks with the council to be re-homed.