Beer bottles, drugs and a burning fire have been left behind by yobs at a popular beauty spot.

The discovery was made at Duncan Down in Whitstable this morning by Ashley Clark, Conservative councillor for Seasalter.

He said: "Another great night on Duncan Down. Beer, drugs and an open fire fuelled by branches off an overhead tree. It was still smoking this morning.

"Elsewhere a tree planted earlier this year was ripped asunder."

He added that smashed bottles found at the site could pose a danger to animals and children.

It comes as Canterbury City Council considers banning barbecues and beer bottles from beaches and parks across the district - with on-the-spot fines being dished out to rule-breakers.

The council is considering introducing a raft of stringent Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to crack down on nuisance behaviour which "makes people's lives a misery".

Cllr Clark, one of the driving forces behind drawing up the plans, said: "Across our district the open spaces and beaches that we value are under threat.

"Our beaches are plagued with litter, broken glass, nitrous oxide canisters and drunks. Our parks and nature reserves have suffered from motorcycle rodeos, ponds and streams polluted, wildlife destroyed, plants and trees ripped out and so on.

"If you think this behaviour is unacceptable and needs an effective way to help prevent it please partake in the council’s consultation on PSPOs.

"They are not just about the beach but include our parks and nature reserves."

People can comment on the consultation via the council's website until August 30.

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