Described as a haven for drink and drugs, two flats have been boarded up by police to the relief of neighbouring residents.

The "goings-on" at the properties in Magpie Hall Road, Chatham had caused persistant problems for those living nearby and saw residents make regular calls to the police reporting anti-social behaviour as well as drink and drug use.

The flats were vacated and shut up on Monday, and police secured a closure order from Medway magistrates yesterday.

The ruling will last until December 8 and makes it is an offence for anyone to enter the properties during this time. Police signs have been placed on the doors and windows.

Officers from the Operation Jupiter team hope the closures will reduce anti-social behaviour in the local area and also reduce the supply and use of drugs across Chatham and surrounding areas.

DI Kevin Downard said: "Throughout much of this year these flats have caused persistent problems and nuisance to residents of Magpie Hall Road. For some time we have been executing drugs warrants at the addresses to compile a comprehensive dossier of evidence so we could apply to the court for closure orders.

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

"This 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 and continue to urge residents to report anything suspicious to us."

It is understood that no one has been charged with a criminal offence.

Operation Jupiter was set up to tackle emerging criminal gangs, whose members often travel into the county from other areas.

The aim is to deter those who sell and distribute drugs in areas including Medway, Swale, Gravesham and Dartford.