by Angela Cole

acole@thekmgroup.co.uk

Four people were convicted of breaching a dispersal order in Upper Stone Street, Maidstone during its sixth months.
The order, put in place by the police and Maidstone council in May, aimed to combat low-level crime and anti social behaviour in the Basing Close area and nearby roads.
It meant police could move on groups of two or more people behaving in an anti-social manner, or who were likely to.
A 21-year-old woman from Maidstone received a conditional discharge and a 17 year-old woman received a six month referral order for failing to comply with it, while two other people were cautioned.
Following a public meeting attended by more than 50 people in the summer, a residents’ association was set up.
PC Jodie Bushell from the Maidstone Community Safety Unit said: “A lot of anti-social behaviour can appear quite minor, but can have a huge impact on the quality of life for people who are living in the area. Thanks to our powers under the order, residents have seen us take people to court for their behaviour."
Since the order was brought in, police have received less calls about anti-social behaviour in the area.