New approach to curb prostitution

The council hopes to encourage women to come off the streets

New ways of tackling the problem of prostitution in the Medway towns are being looked at.

Medway Council has tried getting anti-social behaviour orders (Asbo) against local prostitutes but said it has failed to have a real impact.

It is now trying to use better health and social care facilities to help get prostitutes off the streets of Kent.

Councillor Angela Prodger said it would be more beneficial to encourage women off the streets than jail or fine them.

Drug-taking

"We have to recognise that if they are taken to court and fined that is just an incentive to come out and earn more money to pay the fine," she said.

"That's not the answer.

"For those that want it, we need to try to provide services, encouragement and support to come out of prostitution and particularly the drug taking which is associated with it."

Three years ago Medway Council was among the first in the UK to use Asbos against prostitutes in the vicinity.

Ten women were subject to the order but although some of them broke it, none were jailed.