A court case against a man accused of failing to clean up his dilapidated home - which became a hive of police activity this month - has been dropped.

Mike Barker’s Dunton Green property has been at the centre of a council dispute for nearly five years.

In 2010 the self-proclaimed bomb disposal expert failed to comply with notices requiring him to remove debris from the front garden and carry out essential repairs.

The former by-election candidate was taken to court by Sevenoaks District Council in 2012 and the mess was later cleared from the London Road premises.

Despite the council's efforts to keep the site in good condition, the building is still in desperate need of repair and a collection of items including building materials, old motorcycles and tumble dryers has built up outside.

Mr Barker was served with another formal notice in 2014 requiring him to clear the site for a second time.

The 74-year-old was given four months to improve the appearance to the council's satisfaction, but failed to do so and was summoned before Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court yesterday.

However, the case was dropped by Sevenoaks District Council beforehand and Mr Barker was not required to appear.

A spokesman for the authority said: "In light of new information being given to us which surrounded this complex case, it was felt a fair course of action was to apply to the court for a discontinuation of the prosecution against Michael Barker and his two sons.

"We understand his two sons, who both own the property in question, are now able to access it and have started work to comply with the Section 215 notice and we will be taking no further action at this time.”

Council officials previously feared the mess at Mr Barker's home would attract rats and other pests.

But earlier this month the ‘grot spot’ played host to a different kind of visitor.

On Monday, August 3, a swarm of army personnel, firefighters and police arrived to search the crumbling building, which now appears to have a gaping hole in the roof.

Investigations at the scene, which is notorious for its dishevelled appearance and condition, led to the road being closed and took place over four days.

A police spokesman said the premises – which is occupied by Mr Barker but is legally the responsibility of his sons, Michael and Julian, - was being searched as part of on-going inquiries.

The pensioner, who attended the Rochester and Strood by-election count dressed as Father Christmas, was arrested on suspicion of making threats to cause criminal damage and harassment.

He has been bailed until Tuesday, September 2.