Police have moved on seven people in Canterbury’s dispersal area in its first week.

Adults and teenagers were among those spoken to by officers in the Westgate area, which includes Dane John Gardens.

Three others were moved on from a similar zone close to Herne Bay’s seafront.

The zones were set up to reduce anti-social behaviour and give officers powers to seize alcohol, issue on-the-spot fines, disperse intimidating groups and ban yobs for 24 hours.

Neighbourhood inspector Gareth Silcock said: “This is a result of us listening to the needs of residents and then working with our partners to take action.

“Some reports have stated this power 'criminalises’ teenagers, however we are only targeting those who act anti-socially, regardless of their age.

“The fact that the first group of people, moved on in Canterbury, was made up of both adults and teenagers reinforces this message.”