Police have been given extra powers to tackle anti-social behaviour in Ashford.

A dispersal order will be in force this weekend following reports of groups of people causing disturbances and being aggressive to staff and customers in the town.

It got underway at 4pm today and will remain in place until 4pm on Sunday.

The areas covered include, West Street and Forge Lane, Somerset Road and Mace Lane to the junction with East Hill, and along the west side of river behind the Stour Centre to the south east corner of the car park which is located to the south east of the domestic railway station.

Ashford International Railway Station to the junction with the A2042 and across into Elwick Road and Elwick Road to the junction with West Street are also part of the order.

It means anyone over the age of 10 can be asked to leave the area and not return for a stated period of time if an officer or PCSO has reasonable grounds to suspect their behaviour has contributed, or is likely to involve the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed.

It is an offence to fail to leave when directed, without a reasonable excuse.

Police say the action follows recent reports of anti-social behaviour in the town centre where groups have caused disturbances and been aggressive to staff and customers.