A DRAFT policy on policing open-air sex hot-spots could end up encouraging the activity, Maidstone council has warned.

Kent Police is considering revising its approach to what it calls Public Sex Environments.

It calls for a more “sensitive and positive” approach to such areas, ensuring that they are safe for people engaging in public sex, and targeting relevant services at open spaces where such activities are known to happen.

Details have been sent to borough councils across the county for consultation.

Maidstone council fears it could give people the green light but Kent Police denies it would provide safe havens for anti-social or criminal behaviour.

A spokesman for Maidstone council said an official response had now been sent to police.

He said: “The condoning of offences needs to be avoided. The priorities of the policy are clear but implementation needs to be flexible.”

A letter sent by Kent Police, made public when it was posted on Dartford Borough Council’s website, said: “In recent months we have received comment, mainly from LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) users of Kent PSE sites, which indicates that trust and confidence in our service is potentially declining owing to the ways PSEs are being policed.

“It is therefore important for us to ensure that PSEs are policed responsibly and professionally.”