The closure of a troubled flat linked to anti-social behaviour and harassment has been extended for three more months.

A property in Pollyfields Close, Snodland was shut down after a spate of “criminal and nuisance behaviour” by a local resident.

A new court order issued at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday means the flats will not open until May.

The original closure order was issued on Friday, November 24.

It came after Tonbridge and Malling council’s community safety unit worked alongside the force after receiving repeated reports of anti-social behaviour and harassment between July and November.

Since the original order was made there have been no new reports of problems linked to this block of flats.

Under Section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, no one other than the landlord is allowed to visit the property.

Anyone who doesn’t comply could receive prison time or an unlimited fine.

Inspector Terry Newman says the extension will give “further respite” to residents.

He said: “It will enable us to work with housing officers to prevent any future crime and disorder at the property, using all powers available to us to respond robustly.

“Ultimately, these types of issues can make people’s lives a misery and we hope the work undertaken to gather a case for this order will reassure the community that we do not tolerate it and we will respond with appropriate action.”