On Wednesday 5 July 2023, Kent Police applied for an extension to the original closure order made at a house in St Nicholas Road.

The extension was granted at Medway Magistrates’ Court after the original application which was granted in April and ran until Tuesday 4 July.

Officers applied for the order following complaints from residents about the premises and the extension will continue to prevent any unauthorised people from entering the property.

Anyone found doing so risks a fine and up to 51 weeks in prison.

PC Jamie Spencer said: ‘Local people in the area reported concerns to us after having to endure disturbances and anti-social behaviour from those visiting and leaving this property.

‘Despite us attending to talk to the occupiers their behaviour did not improve so we took steps to remove them from the property. This extension allows us to ensure they do not return to the property and cause further concerns for those living nearby.

‘We understand that ASB is often caused by a minority but can affect a majority and we remain dedicated to responding robustly and ensuring the problem is tackled head on.’

The order and extension used legislation under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and Southern Housing has now taken possession of the premises.

Tackling anti-social behaviour is part of the force’s Safer Summer initiative.

Click here for further support and advice relating to anti-social behaviour (https:///www.kent.police.uk/…/asb/asb/antisocial-behaviour/) and here for more information about #SaferSummer (https:///www.kent.police.uk/…/plans-in-place-for-a…/).