Business owners say they're losing trade along Northdown Road in Cliftonville, warning anti-social behaviour is becoming a common sight throughout the day
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00:00Fly-tipping, drug use and intimidation. These are just some of the behaviours
00:04worrying residents in Margate. Many say the problem is getting worse and not
00:09enough is being done to stop it. A business owner here in Northdown Road
00:14started a petition to sort out the anti-social behaviour and it's already
00:18surpassed its initial goal of 1,000 signatures. They hope that this is going
00:22to be enough to grab the council's attention and enough to make change.
00:26Walking along Northdown Road, the signs of anti-social behaviour are hard to miss.
00:30From dumped rubbish to vandalised shopfronts, locals told me they're
00:34worried about the future of their high street.
00:37It feels dirty when you see the fly-tipping and as I say you know you
00:41can't feel threatened by the people who've had too much to drink.
00:45There's quite a few customers who sort of, if they're hovering outside our shop,
00:49they don't, they walk off and then they might come back in five minutes
00:54because they're sitting down there with blankets and smoking and dealing, unfortunately.
01:01People don't want to come to the high street, you know, they're scared.
01:05A lot of older people come in and say they're actually frightened to come out on the streets
01:10and they're getting accosted going into the shops, asking for money.
01:13It's more than I get out of my car, straight away, have you got some money?
01:16But while locals say anti-social behaviour has increased in recent months,
01:21Kent Police say reports have actually decreased over the past two years.
01:25Kent Police say they have already issued a man with a community protection notice in the area
01:30to prohibit harassing, being drunk in public and other anti-social behaviour,
01:35with plans to issue more if necessary.
01:37These orders, they say, are part of a wider effort to address the mental health,
01:42drug misuse and housing issues.
01:44In regard to Thanet District Council, they say they're working closely with the police
01:49to tackle these issues, while encouraging those on the street into safe accommodation.
01:53Local councillor Barry Manners believes stronger action is needed.
01:57You know, these are small businesses on wafer-thin margins.
02:01They're not multinational companies.
02:02These are people that are employing, you know, have a handful of employees.
02:06They're part of a local community and they deserve our support and protection.
02:12And at the moment, they're being failed by the council and they're being failed by the police.
02:16While authorities say steps are being taken to tackle anti-social behaviour,
02:21some residents and local councillors feel more needs to be done.
02:25With concerns about safety, policing and community support still present,
02:29the challenge is now rebuilding trust and addressing the root causes.
02:33Kristen Hawthorne, KMTV, Moorgate.