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A consultation is underway on whether a clampdown on “persistent” anti-social behaviour is needed in a town amid a rising number of incidents.
Ashford Borough Council (ABC) is asking residents for their views on enacting a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in Tenterden.
PSPOs allow local authorities to tackle anti-social behaviour which takes place in a specific area, and covers particular activities, meaning offenders could be prosecuted or issued a £100 fine.
These activities include street drinking, dog fouling, loitering, use of E-scooters in a way which causes danger or nuisance, and the use of foul or abusive language.
Tenterden Town Council (TTC) applied to ABC to enact the PSPO earlier this year, asking for a particular focus on tackling the use of catapults in the area.
Now, ABC has launched a public consultation after working with police and TTC, following reports of wildlife being killed and damage to residential properties.
They say a PSPO will provide additional, proportionate powers to address persistent anti-social behaviour, improving safety in the community for residents and visitors.
Cllr Katrina Giles (Green), portfolio holder for communities and health, said: “We want everyone who lives in, works in, or visits Tenterden to feel safe and welcome.
“This consultation is about seeking local views on a proposed PSPO, which would give us additional powers to address specific behaviour causing nuisance or harm in public spaces.
“A PSPO is not about penalising people for day-to-day activity. It is about setting clear expectations and enabling proportionate action where anti-social behaviour persists.
“I would encourage residents, businesses and visitors to take a few minutes to share their views, so any decision we take is informed by the community and reflects local priorities.”
Originally TTC had hoped for a proposed PSPO to also cover neighbouring St Michaels.
However, a formal area map, produced by ABC as part of the consultation, shows the area from Smallhythe Road to near Homewood School will be covered.
PSPOs are already in action elsewhere in the borough, with an order covering Ashford town centre recently updated to include the use of e-scooters and catapults.
Earlier this year, Tenterden resident Matt Sendall-King, who moved to Rogersmead four years ago, threw his support behind the plans.
Last year, the insurance broker was left with a £350 bill after catapult-wielding vandals smashed his dining room window.
The 48-year-old says he is aware of the impact the behaviour can have on residents in the town.
“It’s not just the physical damage – it’s the sense of intimidation, especially with many of our older residents, and the worry that incidents could escalate if left unchecked,” he said.
“Tenterden is a community that values safety and respect. Recent behaviour has clearly fallen short of that, so I think it’s appropriate for the town to take steps to protect residents and businesses.”
The consultation runs until midnight June 7.
