A crackdown on anti-social behaviour in a town centre could soon increase in range, with proposals welcomed by residents and businesses.

A consultation to expand a public spaces protection order (PSPO) in Ashford town centre, to include Elwick Place and industrial estates in Leacon Road, is open until December 29.

The protection zone, which currently stretches across the town centre, South Ashford and Victoria Park, was introduced six years ago by the council and police in response to reports and complaints from residents.

It means anyone causing trouble in the designated area, for example by drinking and urinating in public, can be prosecuted or fined £100 in a bid to stamp out nuisance behaviour.

Ward member for the area Cllr Charles Suddards (Lab) says the extension is a pre-emptive measure rather than a response to a rise in reports.

“There have been some incidents in the town centre in the past with street drinking and there are concerns it could spread to Elwick Place.

“Expanding the zone is more of a pro-active measure rather than a response to anything,” he says.

Ashford residents say they feel safe at Elwick Place, when asked by KentOnline if more measures are needed at the complex.

Owen Darling, 77, from Jemmett Road says: “If the place attracts young people who are out for an evening's entertainment then it can all add up to a riotous time.

“I would be very happy with the extension, although I have never seen any anti-social behaviour myself.

“I really like the development, I think they have done a good job on it and I have never felt at risk here.”

Caroline Dewar, 28, who lives in the town centre says: “A few of my friends who go out often say they would rather come here to Elwick Place than into the high street because they feel safer here.

“I think it is better to pre-emptively make sure nothing bad happens rather than wait for something to happen so it’s good they’re extending it.

“£100 is a lot for people to lose so it might be enough to make them think twice.”

PSPOs allow councils to tackle anti-social behaviour which takes place in a specific, geographical area as opposed to criminal behaviour orders and injunctions which are directed at individuals.

Businesses in Leacon Road which could soon be covered by the order have also supported the expansion, but say they have never noticed any trouble.

Chase Coles owner of CrossFit Great Stour said: “We have been here nearly 10 years now and we have not had any problems, touch wood.

“But we’ve got measures in place like CCTV and alarms.

“If it looks out for the area keeping crime and trouble away then I still support it, it can only be a good thing.”

Sam Driscoll owner of Novo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu who has been on the estate for six months says “it's a pretty safe area but the order could still be beneficial”.

The consultation began on December 5 and will end on Friday, December 29.

Once all the responses have been gathered, the answers will be analysed and the authority will then decide whether the extension will be introduced or if any changes need to be made.

A council spokesperson explains: “The proposed expansion is simply to incorporate key areas within our town centre, such as Elwick Place, which were not covered by the previous version.

“In doing so it allows all areas within our town centre to benefit from the same attention and enables us greater enforcement powers.”

Police Insp Richard Batten of Ashford Community Safety Unit explained the nuisance behaviour they aim to tackle can vary.

He said: “PSPOs are initiatives brought in by local councils to tackle a range of anti-social behaviour issues, from dog fouling to nuisance driving, and under the community safety partnership our officers will support the councils’ enforcement of the orders.

“It is important that people report any issues affecting them as it gives authorities a good understanding of where and what the concerns are and how they might affect residents, so appropriate action can be taken.”

The consultation can be accessed online or by visiting the civic centre in Tannery Lane.