A council is taking action against rowdy drivers revving engines and performing “stunt manoeuvres” in a car park.
Nuisance motorists have been spotted in Stour Centre car park in Ashford, especially late at night.
But Ashford Borough Council (ABC) – which is based nearby in International House – says it is clamping down on the problem.
It says the behaviour is a violation of the Ashford Urban Public Spaces Protection Order – a banning order used to combat anti-social behaviour hotspots in the town.
A spokesman for the authority said: “We are aware of recent instances of anti-social behaviour (ASB) involving the use of motor vehicles in and around the area located by the Stour Centre car park.
“As this behaviour was in violation of the Ashford Urban Public Spaces Protection Order, our community safety unit has worked closely with the council’s CCTV team and Kent Police to identify offenders and tackle this issue.”
ABC says officers are now issuing fixed penalty notices (FPN) in a bid to solve the issue, with two £100 fines handed out in June.
“Exhibited was a range of behaviour, all in clear contravention to the PSPO,” the spokesman added.
“This included, but was not limited to, performing stunts and revving engines.
“Further investigations are still ongoing that could potentially lead to other FPNs being issued.”
PSPOs are used by authorities to control bad behaviour in public spaces and improve the quality of life for residents.
However, ABC’s cabinet member for parks and recreation, Cllr Kate Walder (Green), believes a lack of investment in youth centres could be contributing to the issue.
Her comments come after popular youth centre Sk8side – which was based next to the Stour Centre car park – closed in June due to a lack of funding.
The Rolvenden and Tenterden West representative said: “It’s such a central location with a very large footfall because of the Designer Outlet and train station.
“Plus with the time of year we’re in, I’m not too surprised but I’m glad action has been taken very quickly.
“It’s an issue in every town centre, but particularly in parks and near open spaces where the Stour Centre is.
“It’s something everyone on the team is aware of and the police are too, so I’m very glad the response has been quick and proportionate.
“You could allege there is a link there between what has happened with Sk8side departing, but that’s only an allegation and of course these offences were before then.
“But it’s a valuable resource which we’ve lost alongside many of our other youth centres, and there’s consequences of that with towns not staying the same.”
