People flying kites in public places to the detriment of others could be breaking the law under the Summary Offences Act 1926.

A police spokesman said this was pointed out to the approximately 50 people who attended a community meeting to discuss kite-flying over the weekend.

The spokesman said attendees were informed that according to Section 18A of the Summary Offences Act 1926, “any person who, in any public place flies any kite over the public place to the annoyance or danger of any passenger or frequenter commits an offence against this Act”.

He said the public, which included members of an organised kite-flying group, appreciated the meeting on Friday.

Those in attendance suggested that the Department of Public Prosecutions use appropriate channels to educate the public.

Lawrence Scott and Neville Tyrrell, both Progressive Labour Party MPs, were among those who suggested amending the law to regulate or include kite flying periods.

It was also proposed that people desist from flying noisy kites during the night — and avoid flying kites in areas where they had already led to “several” complaints.

Kites could be flown in those areas only when the winds allowed for the kites to be flown over the water.

The police spokesman said a “major concern” raised at the meeting was the risk of people cutting the string attached to the kites.

This could present a danger, especially to bike riders, because the strings could be caught anywhere, he said.

The spokesman said it was hoped that future meetings would include a representative from the DPP’s office.

Constable Valerius Jean Louis and Constable Cerepha Bridgeman of the Western Community Action Team arranged the forum at Bright Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church in Warwick.

Chief Inspector Tracy Adams and officers from the Central Community Action Team also attended.