Dispersal zone to be introduced

A dispersal zone is to be enforced in a Medway town for one month following complaints of anti-social behaviour.

Kent Police and Medway Council announced they would introduce the measure in the centre of Chatham from Friday to 20 December.

Inside the zone, officers will be able to move on groups of two or more people if they have caused or are likely to cause trouble.

Police said anti-social behaviour was the "number one concern" for residents.

The zone is contained within the borders of City Way, High Street, Medway Street, Best Street, Chatham Hill, Rainham Road, Beacon Hill, Magpie Hall Road, The Ridgeway and Horsted Way, Chatham.

Insp Noel Stanley said: "We've been listening to residents who live in Chatham Central and issues of anti-social behaviour are their number one concern.

"We are committed to taking action on reducing crime in Chatham and this dispersal zone will help that considerably."

Police can ban people from returning to the area for 24 hours and take vulnerable or at risk under-16s home.