A renewed petition calling for action following a Bank Holiday weekend of chaos in Broadstairs, and to a lesser degree Margate, has been launched by town resident Sophie Jones.

Last year Sophie set up a petition calling for greater action to tackle antisocial behaviour that hit Broadstairs resulting in businesses shutting, vandalism, fights and hordes of underage drinkers.

That petition called for enhanced police powers and permanent measures to expand Public Spaces Protection Orders and empower Kent Police to enforce aggressively, permanent dispersal zones throughout summer on beaches, the High Street, railway station, and recreation areas and stronger sanctions for repeat offenders with harsher fines, Community Protection Notices, Anti‑Social Behaviour Orders, and criminal prosecutions for persistent perpetrators – especially minors.

It was also suggested that Thanet District Council hire security firms with ex-military personnel to patrol our beaches.

In the wake of the chaos Thanet council leader Rick Everitt wrote to the  Minister of State for Policing and Crime Prevention urging her to allocate additional officers to the isle on a full-time basis.

Kent Police pledged that high visibility patrolling would continue in Broadstairs through the summer and the East Thanet MP Polly illington called a public (by invitation) meeting to discuss the issues.

Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council also lobbied for a multi-agency task force to be set up to agree a plan of action to prevent any reoccurrences of the behaviour.

Kent Police’s Chief Inspector Ian Swallow said an approved alcohol and antisocial behaviour Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) – currently in public consultation until June 1-  would mean an additional “small army of people” who could use enforcement powers while police officers are dealing with higher level crimes.

Ch Insp Swallow  described the PSPO as a ‘tool’ that sits below police powers under the Public Order act but above the extra provision of dispersal orders.

Following more trouble over the Bank Holiday this year which appears to have been organised through social media videos, Sophie has renewed her petition and is asking:

• What permanent measures are now being implemented to prevent repeat incidents?
• Will there be increased visible policing throughout summer 2026?
• What coordination is taking place between Kent Police, British Transport Police and Thanet District Council?
• What action is being taken regarding organised disorder linked to social media activity and rail travel into Broadstairs?
• How will residents and businesses be updated on progress and outcomes?

She says: “Less than a year after serious incidents prompted public meetings and promises of action involving Kent Police, British Transport Police, Thanet District Council and local representatives, businesses have once again been forced to close early, families have reported feeling unsafe and police dispersal powers have again been required.

“Many residents are increasingly concerned that temporary reactive measures are replacing meaningful long-term solutions.

“There is also growing concern regarding the role of social media in encouraging large organised groups to travel into Broadstairs specifically to cause disruption during peak weekends and holidays. This is unfair on residents, local businesses, visitors and the many respectful young people who simply want to enjoy the town responsibly.

“Broadstairs is an important family seaside destination and local businesses cannot continue facing repeated disruption every bank holiday and summer season.”

Sophie is also urging residents to write to Polly Billington to ask that action is taken.

Find the petition by clicking here

Find the PSPO consultation at: https://yourvoice.thanet.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/asb-pspo2026

Chief Inspector Ian Swallow says: “Kent Police is committed to tackling antisocial behaviour across the county and people who go out of their way to cause issues will be arrested and will face criminal charges if appropriate.”

Over the weekend police made six arrests and dispersed around 40 people.

Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Mayor, Cllr George Rusiecki, said: “The Town Council shares the public’s disgust and frustration at the appalling behaviour on display from large groups of young people over the Bank Holiday weekend. We would like to thank Kent Police for their efforts in taking the appropriate action and keeping the public safe.

“We would also like to thank Marc One and Probe Security patrols, an additional service paid for by Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council for the great work their officers do in intervening in disturbances and reassuring visitors to the area.

“Broadstairs remains a wonderful place for families to spend time and we regret that these rare disturbances by the few spoil the experience for so many.

“Despite our very limited powers and resources we are working with partner agencies in the town to do what we can to mitigate the negative impact such behaviour can have and ensure Broadstairs remains a favourite with local people and tourists alike.”

Broadstairs County Councillor John Finch has written to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood  asking for urgent intervention.

In his letter he says the action is needed due to “the intolerable situation our town is facing yet again. We have been subjected to a repeat of the exact same lawlessness that we were explicitly assured would not happen again.”

MP Polly Billington says she remains in contact with Thanet District Council and Kent Police and will be discussing possible further action over the coming days.

British Transport Police confirmed there is no routine, fixed presence at Broadstairs or Margate railway stations but added: “During the summer months, we typically see increased passenger numbers across the line towards the coast, including these stations and surrounding areas, as people travel to events and seaside destinations.

“Where intelligence or demand indicates an increased risk, BTP will work closely with partners, including Kent Police and Southeastern Railway, to provide an appropriate policing and security response or visible presence.”

Southeastern has also been asked whether an action plan will be in place to help tackle trouble caused by those who travel to the isle by train.

Businesses forced to shut early as Broadstairs suffers Bank Holiday chaos once again

Petition launched calling for action over ‘growing tide of anti-social abuse’ in Broadstairs

Witnesses supporting a Thanet Public Spaces Protection Order describe drinking, drug use, fighting, man defecating outside business window and people have sex in public view

Six arrests and some 40 people dispersed over bank holiday weekend in Thanet