People are being warned to stay away from a row of shops in Northfleet after a hole unexpectedly opened up.

Gravesham council is urging the public not to enter shops on the eastern side of Lawrance Square, Coldharbour, Northfleet, following tests on the subsidence there.

The hole opened up on Friday, February 27. Latest results from geo-technical structural engineers show the hole is still causing the building to move.

The council has issued notices to the six shopkeepers there to vacate the buildings under Health and Safety legislation. Three of the shops have closed.

Council tenants of the flats above the shops have been rehoused, with the last of the seven tenants being moved on today.

“We have no alternative but to warn people that this structure is deemed dangerous..." - Gravesham Council

The entire block is being fenced off to stop people going on site.

A council spokesman said: “We have no alternative but to warn people that this structure is deemed dangerous and our insurers have insisted that the site is closed.

"The council is going to provide temporary accommodation for retailers affected as soon as possible."

The firm Portakabin is due on site today with plans for the siting of temporary buildings.