Photos show how a once iconic building that was converted into luxury flats has fallen into a state of disrepair.

Spembly Works, in New Road, Chatham, was a beacon of modern architecture when it was built in the 1950s.

The former factory, designed to look like a cruise ship, commands a prominent position on the town's skyline, with far-reaching views over the River Medway.

Having apparently fulfilled its potential with its conversion into homes in the early 2000s, its fortunes have taken a turn for the worse, having become an eyesore and a magnet for antisocial behaviour.

Last week, 12ft high metal fences were being installed in an effort to keep intruders out.

A Medway Council spokesperson said: “We became aware that the privately-owned building remained a hazard to the public and so took action to arrange the installation of fencing to make the site secure.

“We are working with the police and fire service to ensure the landowner carries out the outstanding required safety work to this building.”

Landlord Andy Wicking said: “We are aware that the building is being secured with security raillings to stop anyone getting hurt and to hopefully stop any further damage.”

The move comes after the flats, vacated by its tenants after a prohibition order issued following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 made it illegal to live there, were wrecked by vandals.

The structure is now a sorry sight, plastered in graffiti with smashed windows and fire-damaged interiors.

Neighbour Beryl Payne is one of many who have been looking on in despair.

“Rough sleepers have moved in," she said. "It is a playground for idle teenagers who trash the building.

“The ground around the building looks like a garbage dump and is ankle-deep in unsavoury litter.

“It has been boarded up again and again. Fires have been lit.”

In April, police were called after youths broke in.

Officers made inquiries but those responsible have never been found.

Mr Wicking said: “There is always trouble in there but the police won't go in because they say there is asbestos in the roof. There isn't.

“We keep boarding it up but people just break into it again.”

Anyone hoping to see progress being made in the near future to repair the damage is likely to be disappointed.

The landlord and tenants are trapped in a legal battle – a catch 22 which ultimately means there is no money to pay for the necessary work.

Mr Wicking said: “The building now needs £3 million of work done to it and might not even be structurally sound anymore.

"It has basically been completely gutted. You can't even tell it was made up of 33 separate flats.”

He added: “The future is still unknown at this stage but we continue to work tirelessly to bring much-needed housing back into use.”