MP calls public meeting over anti-social behaviour

A Kent MP is holding a public meeting on Friday, after being told by some constituents anti-social behaviour had left them afraid to let their children outside.

East Thanet Labour MP Polly Billington has called the meeting, following recent disorder in Broadstairs.

Police introduced dispersal orders in Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate to deal with the situation.

Billington told BBC Radio Kent there should be more planning for times when anti-social behaviour can be predicted.

"There are a combination of circumstances that might happen pretty regularly," she said.

"There was some trouble which might have been related to the end of exam season. These things happen every year. The sun also comes out and it gets very hot every year.

"When those two things coincide it seems to me we should have a plan in place," she said.

"A couple of people have said to me 'I live on the High Street, I didn't want to let my kids out after school'. Nobody wants to experience that."

Kent Police, British Transport Police, Southeastern Railway and Thanet District Council have all been invited to the meeting at The Gap in Queens Road, Broadstairs, from 15:30 to 17:00 BST.

At the time of the disorder in Broadstairs, which included youths brawling and throwing chairs and being aggressive to shop staff, Kent Police district commander for Thanet, Ch Insp Ian Swallow, said: "We urge parents to speak to their children and remind them of the importance of socialising sensibly."

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