A KCC councillor has said that a “new wave of immigrants” are coming to Gravesend to “peddle drugs in our town centre”.

Cllr Bryan Sweetland, who is on both KCC and Gravesham council, said this week that 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 said he is “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.

"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.”

The Gravesend Messenger asked Gravesham council to comment but were told 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 363 crimes reported within a mile of the town centre.

The majority of the crime was antisocial behaviour with 120 reported incidents - drugs made up 11 incidents.

The second highest issue was violent crime at 60, burglary at 55, shoplifting at 41, and criminal damage and arson at 20 incidents.

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