MEMBERS of a family who have intimidated and disturbed neighbours for months are being evicted from their council house.

Maidstone council has secured a court order to have the family forced out of their home in Farleigh Hill, Tovil, for anti-social behaviour.

The family are well-known to the police and are said to be among the ring-leaders of trouble on the nearby Coombe Farm Estate.

At Maidstone County Court, the district judge heard how neighbours of the tenants had endured a barrage of harassment and nuisance and were reluctant to give evidence because they felt intimidated.

The judge gave the tenant two weeks to leave the house of the bailiffs would be sent in. He also granted an injunction to protect council staff and certain Tovil residents.

Maidstone council's cabinet member for housing, Cllr Wendy Marlow (Lab), said: "Let this serve as a warning to others. As I have said before, anti-social behaviour from our tenants will not be tolerated."

WPC Lucy Cronin, Maidstone and Malling Police's projects officer for Tovil, said the children concerned had "run riot" on the estate and the family has not responded to offers of support from police, social services and education officials.

Maidstone council no longer has a duty of care to the family and will not be providing them with accommodation.

Anyone wishing to report acts of anti-social behaviour can call Maidstone and Malling Police's Crime Reduction Unit on 01622 608001.