Gravesham Council is evacuating residents and businesses because of “dangerous” levels of subsidence in a Northfleet estate.

People have been told not to enter the eastern side of Lawrance Square in Coldharbour Estate, Northfleet, following evidence of subsidence.

Latest results from structural engineers show a hole there is still causing the building to move.

The council has issued notices to the six shopkeepers there to leave the buildings under health and safety legislation - three of the shops have already closed.

Council tenants of the flats above the shops will have been rehoused with the last of the seven tenants being moved today (March 17).

 The entire block is being fenced off to stop people going on site.

A Gravesham Council spokesman said: “We have no alternative but to warn people this structure is deemed dangerous and our insurers have insisted that the site is closed.

“The council is going to provide temporary accommodation for retailers affected as soon as possible.”

The company Portakabin will set up temporary buildings on the site today.