Anti-social behaviour concern leads to closure of Birchington flat

A property in Birchington which was at the centre of anti-social behaviour concerns has been closed down by Kent Police.

Officers from Thanet’s Community Safety Unit and Anti-Social Behaviour Team worked together to apply for a closure order for the flat in Stone Barn Avenue.

In recent months, police have been repeatedly called to the flat, following concerns about threats made to local residents and noisy disturbances.

Court order

The order was granted at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 15 November 2023 and officers visited the property the following day to close up the flat.

The terms state that only the housing association who owns the property and emergency services can enter the flat for a period of three months. Anyone entering the flat 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.’