by Alan Watkins

awatkins@thekmgroup.co.uk

A ‘Get Tough’ policy to solve neighbourhood problems on an estate is already having results.

A dispersal order was introduced on the Dickens estate at Denton on December 1 and already four arrests have been made.

One 20-year-old from Gravesend has been arrested and faces possible prosecution for having a catapult with intent to damage or destroy property.

The other three – all teenagers from Gravesend aged between 15 and 17 – were arrested and later given a police reprimand for failing to disperse when ordered to.

The dispersal order lasts until June 1 next year, and gives the police power to move on two or more people harassing, alarming or causing distress.

Chief Insp Phil Painter, district commander for Gravesham, said: ‘We had been receiving complaints of anti-social behaviour from the estate, which has included groups of youths throwing stones and abusing police officers and council staff, before running off.

“This is a serious matter and one that the dispersal area has been brought in to combat.

“Since the dispersal order has been in place we have seen a substantial reduction in reports of anti-social behaviour and we have had some very positive comments from residents on the estate.”