Plans to tackle anti-social behaviour in Thanet

Thanet District Council is expanding the areas where strict rules on alcohol and antisocial behaviour can be enforced.

New rules on anti-social behaviour in public are being introduced in east Kent.

Thanet District Council (TDC) has approved expanding the sort of behaviour covered by its previous two Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO).

Legislation covering the areas expired in July. Specific areas will now be targeted by the new boundaries.

Heather Keen, the council's cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: "The first step will be an education and behaviour change approach, but if this is not successful, enforcement can follow."

The new PSPO will also be worded to give police more power to deal with offensive language.

Instead of covering the whole district, it will cover Birchington, Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs.

The order states: "All persons are prohibited from using foul or abusive language in such a manner that is loud and can be heard by others and cause either alarm or distress to any other person in any public place."

Ms Keen said: “We know that making Thanet a safer and cleaner place to live in, work in or visit is a top priority for the residents of Thanet.

"This new PSPO is a positive step towards this ambition.”

The legislation will be reviewed after a year.