Thugs spoiling the beaches for others with anti-social behaviour will be fined £100 under new rules brought in to stop a repeat of last year's trouble-filled summer.

Irresponsible jet ski riders, people taking drugs such as laughing gas, and groups boozing on Thanet's beaches when asked not to are among those being targeted by the new Beaches and Coast Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).

The tough measures, agreed by Thanet District Council, follow a problematic summer last year, when fights broke out on the Isle's award-winning sands, tonnes of rubbish was left behind and people were caught defecating in public.

Gavin Waite, corporate director for communities, says the authority is expecting an even busier summer than in 2020 and the new PSPO is part of "extensive preparations" to help ensure residents and visitors respect, protect and enjoy the coastline.

"We listened to the concerns of our residents last year and have come up with a consistent and balanced approach to tackling anti-social behaviour and other undesirable activities," he said.

The new powers, which will replace previous bye-laws, will be introduced on April 1 and will allow the council and police to issue £100 fixed penalty notices to troublemakers.

As part of this, Thanet council has employed a dedicated enforcement officer for the coast and its dog warden will also have greater presence on the beaches.

The PSPO prohibits urination, defecation, spitting or littering, drinking alcohol in a public place after being told not to, and taking drugs or substances reasonably believed to be psychoactive substances.

Possessing or releasing any canister containing compressed gas is also banned, as these are used for nitrous oxide - laughing gas - balloons.

Music and entertainment, sporting events, preaching and lecturing will be prohibited unless prior permission has been granted by the council, and barbecues are not allowed on beaches, except after 6pm.

Bonfires, balloon and sky lantern releases on council land are banned, as well as parking and driving on promenades without permission.

Anyone caught cycling on the promenades between 10am and 6pm from May 1 to September 30, where localised signage requires you to dismount, will also be fined.

Encampments including tents, camper vans and marquees on beaches, promenades, clifftops and nearby green spaces or car parks are banned.

Irresponsible jet skiers, posing a risk to safety or causing distress to others, will be hit with a fine, too.

Mr Waite says the new order has been brought in with help from a public consultation.

"We had 497 responses and the feedback received helped shape and inform the PSPO, which will be in place for the next three years, after which time it will be reviewed," he added.

The rollout will be supported by new signage, explaining the different restrictions in place.

An existing dog PSPO has also been amended to extend to Pegwell Bay, specifically the upper chalk shore to protect endangered wildlife.

People and dogs interfering with, trapping or attempting to trap or snare or disturb any wildlife will be fined.

There will be no changes to the current restrictions on Westbrook Bay where dogs can be on lead between 10am and 6pm from May 1 to September 30 after a consultation found the majority against the proposal to introduce a bathing season dog ban.

To see full details of the new PSPO click here. https://bit.ly/39eUJyX

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet