A drug addict whose flat was linked to a catalogue of anti-social behaviour complaints has had to leave the property after the council successfully secured a legal order.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was a tenant in a block of council flats in Black Bull Road, Folkestone, where neighbours had reported living in fear for months.

After a hearing at Folkestone Magistrates Court on Tuesday, February 19, a closure order was issued, meaning anyone who goes to the flat without good reason can be arrested and could face up to three months in prison.

Cllr Alan Ewart-James, cabinet member for housing, said it was a last resort but was necessary to protect the other tenants: "Kent Police and East Kent Housing were inundated with complaints - more than 65 were logged between April and December - and played a vital role in securing the evidence we needed to pursue this case."

The court heard that vulnerable residents had been left unable to sleep at night because of constant noise, damage and visitors. Several tenants also gave evidence against their neighbour in court. The District Judge was told urine and human faeces were found inside and outside the building.

The closure order is valid for three months. Cllr Ewart-James said: "This is the first time the council has applied for a full closure order, although a partial closure order was granted for a different property last year."