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A flat in Broadstairs linked to drug use and anti-social behaviour has been shut down by police.
Officers secured a three-month closure order from magistrates for the property in Dundonald Road after concerns by neighbours about suspected dealing and threats and intimidation.
People living in the area had reported a rise in disorder, such as nuisance behaviour, noise and people and vehicles arriving and waiting nearby at unusual times of the day.
On two occasions quantities of class A drugs were found and seized during searches by police, which started in October 2018.
The order, which was applied by officers from Thanet Community Safety Unit at Margate Magistrates’ Court, will ensure under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 that access to the property in Dundonald Road is restricted.
Magistrates agreed that one named person, not linked to the problems, will be able to live there.
Anyone else found at the property will risk being arrested, fined, or jailed and signs have been placed on the door with advice that it is an offence to enter the flat.
The ruling will last until December 27.
Sergeant Heidi Collins from Thanet Community Safety Unit, says the flat closure is part of their ongoing commitment to tackle anti-social behaviour.
"It will stop the property from being used for drug-related activity and we hope the community will notice an improvement in the area following the court order," she said.
"We do not tolerate any drug dealing and it is not acceptable for residents to put up with it and the anti-social behaviour which comes with it.
"When we apply for a closure order, the court needs evidence to show that a property is linked to disorder and that it is having a negative impact on the public.
"If anyone who is experiencing something similar in their street, we urge them to report in all instances of drug dealing or nuisance behaviour by calling 101 (or 999 if a crime is in progress) or via our website, as that information will help us to build up a case to bring to the courts."
