Gillingham and Rainham MP Paul Clark has written to Kent Police’s Chief Superintendent for Medway, Steve Corbishley, to suggest a ‘dispersal plan’ to tackle anti-social behaviour in his constituency.

Kent Police have recently highlighted the success of a dispersal scheme in Herne Bay. According to Kent Police’s website, “the Heron ward dispersal area was originally planned to last for three months” but the scheme has apparently “made such a difference to the community that it has been extended” until January 2009.

The local MP has been fighting anti-social behaviour in Gillingham for more than a decade, and established ‘Respect’ action groups to help reduce the problem.

He believes that if the Herne Bay model were replicated in Gillingham, dramatic improvements could be seen.

Government legislation passed in the form of the Violent Crime Act allows the police to take tough action to move on those responsible for alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, and enforce acceptable levels of behaviour in a community.

Speaking yesterday, Paul Clark MP said:

“I have had families come to my office in just the past few months saying they are leaving Gillingham because they cannot cope with the disturbance and misery from anti-social adults and young people on the streets and in nearby homes.

"That is a dreadful situation and it must stop.

"Just a few months ago I carried out a survey of over 9000 people in Gillingham and Rainham, and whilst many said they felt secure in their neighbourhood a concerning number of respondents said otherwise.

"As long as I am receiving news like that, I will continue to push for more action on anti-social behaviour.”

"We cannot sit on our hands and expect this problem to resolve itself.

"The police have taken really tough action in Herne Bay using Government legislation. I want to see something similar in Gillingham.

"If it is proven to work elsewhere, then I see no problem with giving it a go here.

"I have written to the Chief Superintendent at Medway Police Station to ask for his thoughts and support on such a scheme.

"I have also asked if he would be prepared to meet me to get the ball rolling.”