Flats which have been sitting empty for a decade and targeted by vandals are set to be refurbished in a bid to deter anti-social behaviour.

The council-funded project - anticipated to cost a total of £310,000 - will see the Court Wurtin properties in South Ashford revamped to improve a "suffering" site.

The homes are located above the One Stop in the shopping parade off Beaver Lane, which was the previous leaseholder.

The properties have sat vacant for 10 years and become a target for vandals, making them an unattractive proposition for would-be developers.

The flats are now owned by the council and work, which was been delayed due to the pandemic, is expected to begin imminently on the £170,000 overhaul.

ABC is also aiming to secure the stairwells, create a bin store for unsightly trolleys and rubbish and improve the surrounding area to uplift the feel of the site which is anticipated to cost another £140,000.

Revised drawings have been developed alongside a Kent Police team which helps to come up with designs to try to prevent crimes within new buildings.

Despite the paved area and potholes being recently improved near the flats, delivery vehicles have cracked the paving and council bosses say the visual appearance is suffering again.

Bollards will therefore be put up to stop this reoccurring.

Responding to comments from the public about the untidiness of the area, the ABC Aspire team is undertaking landscape improvements.

A planning application has been submitted for the works to the exterior of the building, including replacing the canopy, providing a better bin store and securing the stairwells.

Cllr Bill Barrett (Con), ABC cabinet member for housing, said: "These new improvements to Court Wurtin have always been a priority for me after working last year to get the car parks re-surfaced alongside Cllr Lyn Suddards.

"I really want to see the site refurbished and brought up to a decent standard for local residents which will not just make it more aesthetically pleasing, but will hopefully reduce anti-social behaviour and graffiti which have been a problem in the past.

"This project will also bring two more flats online and so I am very excited that it begins as soon as possible."

Ward member Cllr Lyn Suddards (Lab) added: "I have been working with residents and officers at ABC for a number of years to get the improvements to Court Wurtin that are now beginning to take shape.

"These improvements will mean that users of the shops have a clean, safe and attractive shopping area alongside the renovation of the two flats that will aid the need for social housing in the borough.

"I could not be more pleased and I feel an awful lot of personal work will now pay dividends for the residents in my ward."

It is expected the homes will be available to let this summer.