Scenes of antisocial behaviour in Broadstairs over the Bank Holiday weekend caused businesses to close early and police drafted in.
Hundreds of teenagers poured into Broadstairs on Monday and took over large areas of the beach, creating a disturbance, with many reportedly drinking alcohol.
The influx of teenagers appears to have been planned through social media, with the gathering called ‘Broadstairs Biggest Beach Link-up’.
Businesses in the town have condemned the behaviour.
One owner said the town must not become a backdrop for mayhem and intimidation. Broadstairs is a beautiful seaside town built around families, local businesses, visitors and community spirit. People should be able to enjoy a sunny day safely and respectfully, whether they are young or old. The majority of young individuals involved brought alcohol with them.
They said “To the people who came here simply to cause trouble, film chaos for social media and disrespect our town – you are not welcome. This town is not a backdrop for mayhem or intimidation”
Many people were unhappy at the huge amount of litter left on the beach at the end of the day, which required a huge effort by pickers to clean up.
Police bodycam footage shows officers dispersing large groups, moving people on and pouring away alcohol – all in breach of Section 34 dispersal orders introduced over the weekend, although the order expired on Sunday evening.
Police say they met the antisocial behaviour “head-on” and swift action saw officers make six arrests and move on nearly 40 people across Thanet during the bank holiday weekend.
A police spokesman said “As part of the continued crackdown on antisocial behaviour across the district, Section 34 dispersal orders were put in place across Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate.”
