“Draconian” new council powers allowing enforcement officers to dish out £100 fines for swearing have left residents divided. Thanet District Council’s (TDC) public space protection order (PSPO), will cover the entire towns of Birchington, Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs – highlighted as “hot spots” for abusive behaviour. But locals are split on whether the restrictions – which can also be enforced by police – will help or hinder the community, with some insisting the right to free speech is most important. Harry Stevens, 16, said: “I think as long as you’re not using bad language to try and…
