Curfew would stop violence

I find it very sad and upsetting to see the downfall of Brenchley Gardens in Maidstone.

This was a lovely place where Iusedtogowithmyparents, family etc on sunny days. Everybody used to enjoy this park and feel safe! Now it’s just frequented by drug takers, alcoholics and troublemakers. I wonder in this day and age what 15-year-old schoolchildren are doing in a park at gone 6pm, as stated by the reporter who walked around Maidstone and gave a report.

I would have been at home safe where my parents knew where I was, not associating with drug takers etc. Why are the authorities not involved and doing something active about this? Also, where are the parents? I find this disgusting!

Something has to be done about Maidstone. I’m too frightened now to go out at night and even in daytime am increasingly nervous. It needs police stepping up, walking a beat, a continuous presence in parks and other notorious areas.

The High Street is bad. Drinkers are supposed to be banned from sitting with alcohol. Why is something not done then? If nothing is done it will just worsen!

Youngsters are hanging around with drugs and drink, outside hairdressers, with people they should not be with.

It should be the case young people under 16 should be curfewed if this is going on, it’s the only way I can see that it will stop. It would be unheard of in years gone by of young school age children being violent to the public.

What is the world coming to? Drug takers hang around Brewer Street, Union Street, Wheeler Street and down in Brenchley Gardens. Police need constant presence and drive rounds to stop all this.

People want to feel safe again in Maidstone. Make this a friendly, safe place to be and get rid of the trouble. Then life will be enjoyed again and the happiness of people restored or at least made better.

Catherine Smith

Bower Mount Road, Maidstone