A dispersal order has been rolled out in a bid to tackle rising levels of anti-social behaviour on a popular Kent beach.

It will cover Whitstable beach along the coastline to the end of the promenade down to West Beach and run for 48 hours, police said.

The order will also come into force along the footpath between the beach and Joy Lane, down to Tower Hill and the low water mark on the seafront.

Starting from 3pm today the new measures will stay in place until Sunday.

It will give police the power to move along and disperse groups causing anti-social behaviour, harassment and distress in the area.

A police spokesperson said: “In response to this there will be a greater police presence in the area outlined on the map, with police on foot patrol and in vehicles to disrupt, disperse and tackle any anti-social behaviour.”

It comes after police issued a dispersal order in Sittingbourne town centre for two weekends in a row earlier this month.

An order was also put in place in Sittingbourne and Sheppey between May 19 and May 21 to tackle boy racers after a rise in reports of dangerous driving and nuisance vehicles.

Anyone who is affected by any anti-social behaviour in this time period or going forward is urged to report it by calling 101 or 999 if it is an emergency.