Police Impose Dispersal Order After Reports Of Youths On Seafront

East Kent Police have imposed a dispersal order covering the Stourgate seafront area after repeated reports of large groups of youths gathering there.

The order gives officers powers to direct anyone causing or likely to cause anti-social behaviour to leave the area for up to 48 hours. It will run for two weeks in the first instance, covering the seafront, the pier, and the surrounding car parks.

Sergeant Diane Marsh said the order followed “a number of complaints from residents and businesses” about noise, litter and minor disorder. “This isn’t about stopping young people using the seafront,” she said. “It’s about making sure everyone can use it safely.”

The council said it would review the order’s effectiveness before deciding whether to extend it.