Police have boarded up a flat in Maidstone amid fears it was a drugs den which attracted anti-social behaviour.

Police applied for a so-called "crack house closure" after complaints from neighbours in Church Street.

The three-month closure, agreed by Maidstone magistrates yesterday, came after police proved it was associated with the use and supply of Class A drugs.

The closure, which also took into account anti-social behaviour at the address, will last for three months.

In that time a sign will remain on the door and it will be an offence to enter the property.

Police hope the shutdown will reduce anti-social behaviour in the area and the use of drugs across Maidstone town centre and the surrounding areas.

"The closure means that the honest and hard-working residents who live close by should see an improvement in their quality of life" - Sgt John Marshall

Sgt John Marshall from Kent Police: "The information we have received is that the flat has caused persistent problems and nuisance to the residents of Church Street.

"For some time we have been executing drugs warrants at the address to compile a comprehensive dossier of evidence so we could apply to the court for a closure order.

"The culmination of this work is that the courts have granted us the order, so no one can enter the property for the next three months without committing a criminal offence.

"The closure means that the honest and hard-working residents who live close by should see an improvement in their quality of life.

"We are certainly grateful for the local support as we have built up evidence of offending in the area."