"Draconian" council can now fine people £100 - for swearing

A council has been blasted as "draconian" over new rules which will see enforcement officers allowed to hand out £100 fines - for swearing.

Thanet District Council’s (TDC) public space protection order (PSPO) will cover the entire towns of Birchington, Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs.

The order states: “All persons are prohibited from using foul or abusive language in such a manner that is loud and can be heard by others and cause either alarm or distress to any other person in any public place.”

But locals are split on whether the restrictions - which can also be enforced by police - will help or hinder the community.

And the Free Speech Union - an activist group - has even threatened to launch a legal challenge over the "draconian" measures.