A property at the centre of anti-social behaviour concerns has been shut down by police following concerns about threats made to residents.

Over the past few months, officers have been repeatedly called to a flat in Stone Barn Avenue, Birchington, the force says.

The closure order comes after concerns about noisy disturbances at the premises which led to police to take action through the courts.

A court order was granted at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, November 15, and officers visited the property the following day to seal the flat shut.

The terms state only the housing association, which owns the property, and emergency services can enter the flat for a period of three months.

Anyone entering in breach of the order can be prosecuted.

Ward officer PC Steven England said: “We understand the impact on local residents of the anti-social behaviour which has centred on this property.

“For that reason, as well as investigating any offences committed by occupants or visitors, we have taken the step of closing this flat for a period of three months.

“I would like to thank the local community and the housing association for working with us as we gathered the information needed to go to court.

“I hope this gives some respite to those living in the area and reduces the number of times police have to visit the property when it does eventually reopen.”