A rise in anti-social behaviour in a town centre has prompted police to issue a dispersal order.

It covers Sittingbourne high street and the town’s retail park and will run until 2pm on Sunday.

The order started at the same time on Thursday and allows officers to stop anyone involved in disorderly behaviour and move them on from the area.

Police have implemented the order due to “an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour in the district at weekends”.

Inspector Vanessa Foster from Swale’s Community Safety Unit said: “There has been a recent increase in nuisance behaviour in the area, which is negatively impacting on the local community’s quality of life.

“This weekend, Sittingbourne will see increased patrols to tackle the issue.

“The dispersal order gives our officers additional powers to move on anyone causing a nuisance and, if necessary, arrest those who return to the area once dispersed.

“Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and those responsible will be held to account.”

It comes just a few months after Morrisons in the town was forced to bring in CCTV to deal with anti-social youths.

On multiple occasions, youngsters were abusive to staff and had even started fires on the site.

Anybody who wishes to report instances of anti-social behaviour should report it online via the Kent Police website.

If a crime is in progress, please don’t hesitate to call 999.