New prostitution laws will be welcomed by residents but could lead to greater confusion in Medway’s red-light district, according to one local councillor.

Under the proposed legislation, recently announced by the Home Secretary, a man who knowingly pays for sex with a woman who has been trafficked or is under the control of a pimp could face a charge of rape.

Cllr Craig Mackinlay (Con) fears the laws could force the illegal side of the industry further underground, putting girls at greater risk.

He said: “At the heart of Medway prostitution is the drugs trade with up to 95 per cent of the 120 known street prostitutes addicted to Class A drugs, often with a dealer not far behind forcing her further into the sex trade to support her drug debts.

"Under the new laws, the prostitute would be deemed controlled and the punter could face serious charges including rape.

“The new law would put the onus on the punter to find out whether the girl is controlled’ far from easy in practice, with no answers from the Home Office as to how this could be achieved.”

Cllr Mackinlay, does however, support calls for prosecuting first-time kerb crawlers. At present, the police can only prosecute persistent offenders.

Cllr Mackinlay said:“Residents have long advocated greater powers against kerb crawlers on the simple premise that if you get rid of the user, you get rid of the problem.

"So these new laws, with fines up to £1,000 for first-time kerb crawlers, if properly enforced, could bring welcome relief.”

Cllr Bill Esterson (Lab) has also welcomed greater powers to crack down on kerb-crawlers.

He said:“Residents are keen to see the police take action against kerb crawlers.

"I think tackling kerb crawlers is the right way to address this issue.

“Residents are also keen to see action taken against other forms of criminal and anti-social behaviour, much of which is linked to the problems of prostitution.

"I am therefore keen to see police and council officers working closely together to address drug dealing and other issues.”