The team spent more than two hours at Pavilion Court, Folkestone, listening to the concerns of local people and working with the landlord who highlighted problems including anti-social behaviour.

It was the latest in a series of operations targeting different areas of the district, and the team was able to offer specialist help and advice and to spot potential problems such as benefit fraud, over-crowding; and vulnerable children and adults.

Members of the team heard a range of concerns about high heating bills, debt, damp, doors or locks not fitting properly, personal safety and the behaviour of certain neighbours.

Cllr Jenny Hollingsbee, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “These operations are just one of the ways we can address residents’ fears and concerns. It gives our staff and our partners the opportunity to speak to people face to face.

“By having representatives from all the different agencies all in one place we are able to offer specialist advice and take immediate action, such as referring people to Social Services or our housing teams. We were welcomed by most of the residents and those we could not see were left a form to fill in so that we will be get a complete picture.”

Crews from Kent Fire and Rescue fitted a total of 16 smoke alarms and checked that others were working. The team also spread the word about the local food bank, prescription deliveries, combating damp and the residents’ rights to various benefits and services.

The team made two referrals to the RSPCA after concerns were raised about the welfare of animals in the building, and will be following up on all the issues they found.

Council staff included members of the private sector housing team, revenues and benefits, environmental health and the Community Safety Unit.

Other representatives included immigration officers, staff from the Department for Work and Pensions, the NHS, Forward Trust drugs and alcohol service, the Probation Service, and Kent County Council’s social services team. Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue staff also attended.