A former Swanley convent has been ordered to close after it was plagued by reports of anti-social behaviour.

The Convent of Mercy, on Sycamore Drive, has been closed for three months after a legal battle with Sevenoaks Council.

Mustafa Kemal Mustafa, leaseholder of The Convent of Mercy for four years, was challenged by the council over the complaints about the behaviour of tenants dating back to 2014.

He has been told the site, which sits on the same road as a primary school and a pre-school, will be closed "with immediate effect."

The council will also be able to recover the costs for clearing, securing and maintaining the premises while the site is closed.

In 2016, the council issued Community Protection Warnings to the site as a result of anti-social behaviour from tenants. It is also claimed that no council tax has been paid by tenants since 2014.

On top of anti-social behaviour, the building had been issued notices by Kent Fire and Rescue Service, The Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive over concerns about the safety and security of the building.

In 2014, News Shopper reported that residents had complained of loud music, smelly bonfires and littering, with old appliances dumped outside the building.

Cllr Lawrence Ball, who was the mayor at the time, told News Shopper: "It's a dump, it really is."

After the site was ordered to close, Cllr Roddy Hogarth, cabinet member for community safety, said: "“Neighbours of the Convent of Mercy have endured unacceptable, anti-social behaviour for far too long and the safety of those living there was at risk.

"Despite the Council and its partners taking action on a range of issues, the property leaseholder and freeholders have failed to adequately deal with the problems.

"We take a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour and it is right that we, with our partners’ help, took action to close this property to protect local people and others residing there.”

Kent Police inspector, Nick Finnis, encouraged anyone who may feel intimidated by anti-social behaviour by calling 101 or going online at: www.kent.police.uk.