A SENIOR Kent police officer has admitted that putting more officers in late night trouble spots is not cost effective.

And Supt Joanna Young has revealed that she is under more pressure to save money.

Supt Young said the unpredictability of late night crime means it would not make financial sense to routinely place more officers in areas such as Castle Street in Canterbury in the early hours.

Speaking at a public meeting in Canterbury of the Kent Police Authority, Supt Young said: "It is not cost-effective to flood the streets with visible police officers. I won't lie about it. I am under pressure to save more money.

"Simple measures like the Shush campaign, where lollipops were handed out to drinkers, have been successful in terms of reducing noise at closing times."

However, Kent Police Authority member Ken London, who chaired the meeting, revealed spending has increased by nearly six per cent to £246 million this year.

He described the rise in council tax police precepts of 11 per cent as 'one of the lowest in the country.'

And, it was revealed, council purse strings will not loosen to deal with public order and the lack of key facilities, including public toilets and bus services, once they take over licensing laws early next year.

City council assistant head of community development Trevor Kennett said: "The council will not become responsible for policing the streets when the changes come in.

"Also, we will have no more money to implement late night schemes after the hand over.

"The city council licensing policy will take into account the wider implications of nightlife."