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It's exactly a year since Gravesham Borough Council launched its
Family Friendly Gravesham policy, to attract a more varied
clientele into the town centre at night, particularly parents or
grandparents with children in tow.

But has it worked? Reporters Jamie Bullen and Rachel Hovenden
found out.

"It's dark and a group of youngsters are leaping over railings
outside M&S.

As we continue down King Street another group of youngsters on
benches shout out swear words.

Yes this is Gravesend on a Friday night and no, I wouldn't feel
happy about taking children out with me."

"Name me a town centre in the UK with a 'family friendly'
atmosphere and I'll show you a wasp with a guilty conscience.

So the aim of creating an atmosphere suitable for families
during these periods is one Gravesham Borough Council should be
applauded for.

After visiting the town centre on a Friday night outing (with a
sceptical friend!) I encountered no hostility towards myself or
others and felt the council's policy may be starting to come
across."

For Rachel and Jamie's full reports on their night
in the town centre, pick up your copy of this week's Gravesend
Messenger, out now.