Antisocial behaviour – Church Lane car park

At the extraordinary meeting of the full council that took place on the 2 February members of Bearsted Parish Council listened to many residents’ concerns about the antisocial behaviour taking place in the Church Lane car park. The issues raised were also heard by the local Police Community Support Officer and the Community Warden who were present at the meeting.

A number of cars associated with the antisocial behaviour had been reported to the Police who have since visited the homes of the car owners and warned that any persistent behaviour will result in a Section 59 being issued. Section 59 allows the police to give drivers a warning if they are reported to have used their vehicle in a manner that causes “alarm, distress or annoyance”. If reported to have done so again within a year the Police have the right to confiscate the vehicle and crush it.

Residents and councillors put forward other preventative measures which are to be investigated as a matter of urgency.