A team of Kent Police officers met with residents of the climate camp on Wednesday morning as part of continuing efforts to resolve mutual issues of concern.

Superintendent Stuart Kehily and Chief Inspector Des Keers held talks with members of the camp’s liaison group at High Halstow village hall at noon.

They spent two hours discussing the level of policing at the camp in Dux Court Road, Hoo, and other issues around safe and lawful activity.

The meeting also explored concessions that could help develop a more conciliatory accord between the need to police the event and the right of protestors to express their views in a peaceful way.

Asst Chief Constable Gary Beautridge said after the meeting: "We have worked hard to maintain dialogue with the organisers of the camp since they announced their intention to stage the event – and we’ll keep talking.

"The community residents of the camp have told us how they would like us to police them. We are considering their views and we will respond accordingly to move relationships forward.

"I would hope that we can continue to work with the organisers to police the site in a way that satisfies both ourselves and the people attending."

ACC Beautridge added: "Our message remains very clear.

"We will police the event proportionately so that the people attending it can protest lawfully.

"We know the vast majority of those on the site are responsible and law abiding and we want to be able to provide a service to them."

More than 30 people leaving the camp this morning with their belongings approached police and told officers they do not want to be associated with any criminal activity.

ACC Beautridge commented: "It is unfortunate for all concerned that there appears to be a hardcore minority, intent on criminal activity or unlawful protest, who are diverting attention away from the issues that most people have come here to raise."

Two men were arrested near the camp last night on suspicion of causing criminal damage. An 18-year-old man from Wakefield and a 20-year-old man were arrested by officers at 8.15pm. Both were later released without charge.

A 20-year-old man from Oxford was arrested at 12.45am today (6 August) on suspicion of the possession of cannabis. Robert Georgiou, 20, of Oakthorpe Road, Oxford was later charged with possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place. Mr Georgiou was bailed to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 3 September.

This brings the total number of arrests to 16, for various offences including obstruction, possession of a bladed article, possession of cannabis and breach of bail.

Nine people have been charged, two have been cautioned, one bound over to keep the peace and one remanded in custody for breaching bail conditions..

Police continue to allow equipment that has a genuine use onto the site along with provisions for the estimated 1,100 people there.

Officers have discretionary powers to search people attending the camp.