High rates of anti-social behaviour in two Thanet towns have sparked a proposal for a public space protection order.

Thanet District Council has received numerous complaints about conduct in both Ramsgate and Margate town centres.

Including police reports, the last year has seen 239 complaints within the two areas dealt with.

The PSPO would tackle group congregation, misuse of public space, those causing deliberate nuisance to commercial premises, the use of abusive language and the excretion of bodily fluids.

The four wards which make up the two town centres have a disproportionate amount of anti-social behaviour, accounting for more than half of all complaints in Thanet, according to police data.

A council spokesman said: "Whilst overall the district is seeing a 14% reduction in anti-social behaviour, Thanet traditionally has higher levels when compared to other districts in Kent.

"During the 2017-18 financial year, anti-social behaviour incidents in the town centre areas of Margate and Ramsgate have remained high and the council has received complaints from a number of people.

"This has been primarily due to anti-social group congregation and the misuse of public spaces, which has been adversely targeted towards business and commercial premises.

"The council and police have continued to receive a high volume of complaints in these areas and have met several times to consider all available interventions to combat these problems."

The council is asking for views on the plan to introduce the PSPO to combat behaviour issues.

It is open to comments until July 3, which can be made via email to community.safety@thanet.gov.uk or in writing to PSPO consultation - Margate and Ramsgate, Community Safety Department, Thanet District Council, Po Box 9, Cecil Street, Margate, Kent CT9 1XZ.

Responses should include whether you support the proposal or not, if you live, work or visit either of the town centres, and any comments in regards to the plan.

Once the comment period has closed, responses will be considered, and recommendations will be put forward to the council who make the overall decision.

If the order is agreed, it will be publicised by the council and signage will be put up in key areas.

More information can be found on TDC's website.