We need to get tough on public disorder

PEOPLE travel from far and wide to enjoy Thanet's beautiful beaches and our vibrant seaside towns. Being able to enjoy the wonders of the British seaside all year round is one of the greatest joys of living here.

- Polly Billington

That's why the recent scenes of disorder on Broadstairs beach and town centre have been so distressing. Like many residents, I was shocked and saddened to see our town in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

What should have been a peaceful sunny day at the seaside turned into something altogether different. A large group of young people, fuelled by underage drinking, engaged in scenes of violent disorder, including damage to a local restaurant, intimidation of passers-by, and public brawling. Despite a public dispersal order being in place, the police struggled to regain control and very few people were arrested.

This kind of behaviour has no place in Thanet or anywhere else. It threatens our safety and wellbeing, damages our vitally important tourist economy, and undermines the pride we all share in our community.

Following these scenes of disorder, I visited businesses in Broadstairs town centre with Simon Hardy from Independent Broadstairs and Cllr Kristian Bright, to speak directly with shop workers and business owners, many of whom had been left frightened and shaken.