A "new wave" of immigrants is peddling drugs in a town centre, a senior councillor has claimed.

Cllr Bryan Sweetland, who is on both KCC and Gravesham council, said this week he welcomed news that Prime Minister David Cameron has said immigrants must wait up to five years before applying for a council house or receive free NHS treatment.

But he said he was “only reflecting” the thoughts of Gravesham people.

He said: “It’s clear from the recent wave of immigrants that they find our country a soft touch and it’s now time to restore the balance.

“You only have to look at the picture locally over the last couple of years. Without jobs, some of the new wave of immigrants has decided to turn to peddling drugs in our town centre (Gravesend).

"It is particularly disturbing as it comes at a time when Labour-controlled Gravesham Borough Council has recently cut the town centre community safety budget.

“I want to see an immigration system that backs people who want to work hard and contribute to our county in a positive way.

"The government is right in taking these measures and many people in Gravesham will welcome this initiative.

“We must end the situation where people can come to the UK and get state benefits and public services without putting anything in. Enough is enough.”

Gravesham council was asked to comment but they said they were unable to do so as county council elections are due in May.

Kent Police also refused to comment.

The latest crime statistics for January show there were a total of 363 crimes reported within a mile of the town centre.

Among those statistics, drugs offences were recorded on Princes Street, Stuart Road, Clifton Road, New Road, St George’s Church, Lord Street and Rathmore Road.