Police have been given more powers to tackle anti-social behaviour in Deal.

The town centre area has become a Designated Dispersal Area and from Friday officers will be able to take action against groups who are causing intimidation, alarm or distress.

Sgt Guy Thompson said: “This gives the police a discretionary power to move trouble-makers on, which is something we can’t otherwise do unless they are committing specific offences.

“It is an extra tool to help us deal with the minority of young people and adults who persist in causing a nuisance and spoiling the enjoyment for others, in many cases affecting their quality of life.

“Experience has shown that dispersal areas are effective at reducing anti-social behaviour.”

The decision to apply for a dispersal area was made by Kent Police in partnership with the Dover Community Safety Unit following numerous reports about anti-social behaviour, particularly near the railway station, Sainsbury’s, Somerfields, St George’s church yard and the town centre pub and club area.

The order has been authorised by Chief Supt Debbie Doe, the area commander of south Kent police and Nadim Aziz, the chief executive of the district council under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.

Any group of two or more people found causing intimidation, harassment, alarm or distress in the designated area can be dispersed by an officer.

Young people under the age of 16 who are not accompanied by a responsible adult can be taken back to their homes between the hours of 9pm and 6am.

Failing to comply is an offence punishable by a fine and/or three months imprisonment.

The Dispersal Area is initially for a six month period between Friday, September 26 and Thursday March 26 and will be reviewed on a regular basis by Dover Community Safety Partnership.

It will contain all or part of High Street, West Street, Beach Street, Duke Street, Farrier Street, South Street, Sondes Road, Queen Street, Park Street, Stanhope Road, St George’s Road, Union Road, Oak Street, Market Street, King Street, Middle Street and Wellington Road.