Dispersal Order Put In Place

A dispersal order will be in place at the weekend as part of the latest enforcement action to tackle antisocial behaviour in Sittingbourne.

The town centre order will operate between from 3pm tomorrow (Friday 24th January) until 3pm on Sunday (26th January).

It will encompass all open spaces, alleyways, footpaths and grassed areas in and near the High Street, retail park, train station and recreation ground. Designated roads include Avenue of Remembrance, Bell Road, Crown Quay Lane, Eurolink Way, Mill Way, St Paul's Street, Chalkwell Road, London Road, West Street and Park Road.

Inspector Julia Bassindale told SFM News: "We are always listening to concerns raised by residents and businesses and our officers are continuing to pay close attention to issues linked to the High Street and retail park, where in recent weeks there have been reports of disorder, abuse and threatening behaviour towards shop staff and members of the public. The areas in this dispersal order are already regularly patrolled every day of the week, and we are proactive with our partners operating CCTV cameras to help identify those seeking to cause problems. Anyone causing a nuisance and instructed to move on can be arrested if they return to the area".

Insp Bassindale went on to add: "Whilst dispersal orders are only a temporary measure, I would like to also reassure residents there is also a great deal of other work ongoing to tackle antisocial behaviour in Sittingbourne. This includes officers working closely with youth organisations and schools and we also visit the homes of young offenders to issue warning notices and encourage parents to take a proactive role in supporting the police."