Plans to grant police and council additional powers to combat anti-social gatherings in a town centre are now up for public debate.

Sevenoaks District Council is considering a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for The Vine in Sevenoaks.

This comes after police and the council’s community safety unit received 42 reports regarding gatherings of up to 100 people at the park next to Holly Bush Lane.

The reports included criminal damage, substance abuse, intimidation, public disorder and broken glass left on the street.

The order will allow officers and the council to issue a warning or a fixed penalty notice for anti-social behaviour offences with those found to be causing trouble being unable to return to the Vine within 24 hours.

It would also prohibit behaviour which is likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress.

A council spokesman said: “Early in the year, we consulted with local residents who said they wanted to focus on these issues and their impact on local residents and businesses.

“The council also raised these issues at two youth council meetings where it was agreed that the Public Space Protection Order should be progressed and public consultation carried out.

“Once the consultation has closed and the results are reviewed, we will consider the next steps for the Public Space Protection Order.”

The public has been asked by the council to have their say on the order and to give their views on reducing anti-social behaviour.

The consultation ends at midnight on Sunday, Sepetember 24.

To view the survey click here.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for People and Places, Cllr Lesley Dyball, says the powers will help “deter further anti-social behaviour”.

She said: “We take anti-social behaviour very seriously and we have worked closely with Sevenoaks Town Council and other partners to address the issues at The Vine.

“There are a number of initiatives already in place, including youth work, dispersal orders and extra police patrols.

“Please help us by filling out a short survey by midnight on Sunday 24 September, which asks for your opinion on the issues in the area.”