From the
https://theisleofthanetnews.com by Kathy Bailes, 29 August, 2019.
Pubs and businesses in Margate and Cliftonville forced to shut early after series of disturbances.
Many pubs in Margate and Cliftonville closed the doors early last night
after a number of disturbances understood to have involved members of a
Traveller group currently sited at the Lido car park in Cliftonville.
Residents and businesses have reported damage and intimidation in bars
and shops stretching from Margate High Street up to areas of Ethelbert
Crescent and Fort Crescent.
Bugsy’s Bowling is reported to have hired an all-day security guard
after incidents at the venue, events are expected to be cancelled at the
"Britannia" pub and incidents were reported at the
"Bellvue" pub and "Smith’s
Court Hotel."
Pubs and some takeaway premises closed their doors at around 9.30pm
following discussion with police.
A Kent Police spokesman said: “Kent Police was called at 8.47pm on
Wednesday 28 August to a report a group of people were behaving
antisocially at a premises in Margate High Street. Officers attended and
dispersed the group.
“The patrols also liaised with nearby licensed premises and a number of
them took the decision to close to prevent possible breaches of the
peace.”
An action plan is being developed by Thanet council to deal with the
growing number of unauthorised Traveller encampments in the district.
A working group has been set up to investigate the issue and look at
areas including Traveller accommodation, security measures and increased
enforcement at high risk areas.
Margate councillor Rob Yates said: “”I brought up the issue of
travellers causing disruption to local Margate businesses at the last
council Travellers Working Group and this is something that we do
discuss.
“The Working Group has already discussed which areas are completely
unacceptable to be used as camps in Thanet and further details will be
brought back to council in due time. I hope that whoever caused the
disruption in Margate last night will feel the full force of the law as
this behaviour is completely unacceptable. We have CCTV in place which I
hope will be used to aid any potential prosecutions.”
An update from the council’s Travellers Review sub committee was due on
October 22 but has been postponed. The meeting will now take place on
November 19 at the council offices in Cecil Street from 7pm. Members of
the public may attend.
To report antisocial behaviour contact the Thanet Community Safety
Partnership on community.safety@thanet.gov.uk
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