Drug dealers in Canterbury will no longer be able to use a council flat as their base after magistrates slapped a three-month closure on the property.

The St Peter's Place drugs den had drawn the attention of the city council, East Kent Housing and the police, who worked together to secure its closure.

The home - no.11 Westgate Gardens Flats - has now been boarded up. Anyone who attempts to get inside will now be arrested.

Drug dealers had taken over the flat from a tenant in her 70s.

East Kent Housing chief executive Deborah Upton said: "Young families and others living nearby were being forced to endure anti-social behaviour and the nuisance of visitors arriving to this flat at all times of the day and night. We could not let this situation continue and were forced to take this action.

"Throwing someone out of their home is always a last resort but the tenant had refused our repeated offers of help and support and seemed to be a willing participant.

"This and another recent case proves we will not hesitate to tackle drug dealing from our properties and make life harder for the gangs who profit from the misery of others.

"We are working with Kent County Council, city council housing officers and Catching Lives to try and rehouse the tenant in a safe place.

The closure of the city drugs den comes after a property in Pier Avenue, Herne Bay was boarded up.

It had been taken over by a London gang who are expert in exploiting vulnerable people who feel unable to say no.

Sgt Lee Thompson from the Community Safety Unit said: “Kent Police will not tolerate drug use and the criminality and anti-social behaviour which affects other people living nearby.

“Members of the public are urged to look out for signs, such as increased anti-social behaviour and visitors at unusual times of the day, and report them to us as soon as possible."