A type of anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) has been issued almost 50 times in a Kent town in the past year, it has been revealed.

Police say the community protection warnings (CPW) have been issued by officers in and around Tunbridge Wells 49 times since July 2020 as part of increased measures to tackle anti-social behaviour.

ASBOs are made up of two separate orders, a community protection warning which can be handed out on the spot by an enforcement officer telling someone to do something and a public space protection order (PSPO).

Police say patrols in the town continue to clampdown on issues including ongoing concerns over noise, criminal damage, alcohol misuse, and complaints around threatening behaviour and harassment.

Breaches of the warnings can lead to arrest and prosecution.

Sergeant Ian Loader, of the Tunbridge Wells Community Safety Unit, said: "We have officers dedicated to tackling anti-social behaviour, who are committed to identifying issues which are having a detrimental impact of people’s lives.

"As is often the case, it is a small number of individuals responsible for actions which can be the cause of profound distress and harm, often directly affecting neighbours and sometimes impacting on entire communities."

"You're always going to get people who throw a plant pot down the road on a Friday night..."

Nell Price, who runs creative hub Arty Farty Retreat on London Road, Southborough, does not believe the figures are part of a wider issue.

"I probably would not have said that's a lot," she said.

"But then again, with everything that the police have had to deal with, I think it is great that they have stayed on top of it. I know, sometimes, it can be a tricky line as to whether it's kids being kids or a one-off, or continual anti-social behaviour.

"Of course, you're always going to get people who throw a plant pot down the road on a Friday night but I think, in general, the borough of Tunbridge Wells has quite a lot to offer."

Police officer PC Elizabeth Simpson has, for the past year, been instrumental in ensuring those linked to complaints of anti-social behaviour face greater scrutiny.

In one example, she prohibited a woman persistently responsible for nuisance behaviour and disorder, as well as other related offences, around her home address and within the town centre, from drinking alcohol in public areas.

Sgt Loader added: "Ultimately, a coordinated approach with our partners has successfully and significantly reduced the woman’s offending behaviour and improved, not only her life, but those of residents living nearby, as well as the experience of visitors to our town."

While robust police enforcement remains an important element in tackling anti-social behaviour, officers are also trained to understand and recognise concerns which may require intervention from other agencies, such as child protection teams or charities who can support vulnerable adults.

On June 3, constables and police community support officers took part in a day of action, in and around the town, specifically aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour among young people.

Sgt Loader said: "Coordinated and proactive activity during the half-term holidays helps us prevent and also respond more effectively to issues often caused by large groups.

"A visible policing deterrent is only one part of tackling anti-social behaviour and the important contributions from our partners means we can understand better the needs of those who may be attracted to these groups.

"This joined up approach helps us address issues related to alcohol and drugs, and also provide advice to young people about keeping safe and staying away from crime."

Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells