A dispersal order has been put in place across a town centre following “numerous incidents” of anti-social behaviour.

The order, which allows police to demand any person over 10 years of age leave Ashford town centre and not return, came into force today at 5.41pm.

It comes after a 42-year-old woman was arrested in Ashford town centre for assaulting another woman and kicking two police officers on Monday.

For the 24 hours the order is in place police can eject people from the designated zone if they suspect their behaviour has contributed, or is likely to contribute, to the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed.

If the person then fails to leave without a reasonable excuse, or returns within the stated period of time, they can be arrested.

It's not the first time such an order has been put in place with a similar order brought into force in October prompting shoppers to say they were anxious to go into the centre.

At the time one resident, Glynn Hukins said she fears for the future of the town.

“It makes me feel very sad,” she said. “It used to be such a lovely little market town, but more and more shops are closing down and there are lots of cases of violence.

“I wouldn’t come down in the evening anymore and I think there are a lot of people like me.

“I went out for a meal recently and chose to go outside the town rather than in it because there has been so much violence. It’s a shame.”

Announcing the order online a police spokesman said: “Following numerous incidents of anti-social behaviour in Ashford town centre, a Section 34 dispersal order has been put in place for the areas defined by the map below.

“The order will run from 17:41 today for 24 hours. Please report such incidents quoting CAD 15-0983.”