SENIOR councillors in Maidstone have defended the county town's status as Kent's nightclub capital, saying problems with rowdy youths are exaggerated.

The council's cabinet members said the challenge was to break down the mistaken perception that the town's evening economy does not cater adequately for people over a certain age.

The comments came at the start of a council investigation into the town centre's pubs, clubs, theatres and other evening entertainment.

The strategic leadership overview and scrutiny committee is examining if the town is coping with the demands of revellers - providing enough toilets and doing enough to clear up after them. Committee members joined forces with the cabinet members commending the swift clean-up operation that starts after people have gone home.

Cllr Dan Daley (Lib Dem), cabinet member for economic development and tourism, said: "I recognise the problems caused by the night-time economy but the problems are perceived to be worse than they really are. I have yet to feel threatened in Maidstone."