Residents of Barry Island were 'devastated' and appalled by scenes at the popular seaside resort on the hottest day of the year so far.
The 'Island' on Thursday was full of big groups of people and the beach was left litter-strewn following a day and night of thoughtless visitors.
Vale of Glamorgan council cleared 10 tonnes of waste on Thursday and said most was alcohol and BBQ-related - two things that are banned on the island.
After dark, cars were spotted on the pedestrianised area under the Eastern Shelter and vehicles also parked illegally over pedestrian and coastguard access points.
Resident Delme Parfitt was on a family walk in the town and said that there were 'large boorish parties of people and loud music,' and the Island 'lacked a police presence despite thousands still being there.'
Mr Parfitt also said: "Social distancing was ignored. Open smoking of cannabis. Obscene amounts of litter, cleansing teams were there but were overwhelmed.
"(There was) extensive evidence of use of legal highs (silver canisters) and widespread drinking from plastic cups. Parking free-for-all on double-yellows and blocking pedestrian and coastguard access points."
He added that he was 'appalled' at the state of the area had not seen any police officers.
Another Barry Island resident, Carys Jones, said she was 'devastated' at the anti-social behaviour seen on the front, which she adds has been a lovely place to spend time during lockdown.
"It's been so nice lately and totally untouched," she said. "To see it go from one extreme to the other was such a shock.
"And it was so much worse than a normal summer night, the rubbish and stuff left was just so upsetting. We walked along the prom and it was just like a festival. Really shocking, there were three boys with a fire, it was really loud. I felt like we were in Magaluf or something."
She added that the easing measures had been good for the businesses but that some sold alcohol which partygoers then drank at the Island - an alcohol-free zone.
Carys said that three cars drove past her on Thursday and parked up under the Eastern Shelter.
"It was just shocking," she added. "It's been heavenly and I felt so lucky to live here. We've had days when it's been gorgeous weather and the beach is empty because people have been doing what they should have.
"It's devastating really and it's a minority spoiling it for the majority, I don't understand how you can leave it on the beach like that. It's so ignorant."
Council leader Neil Moore said: “Although stay local regulations and social distancing guidance are still in effect in Wales, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of visitors to Barry Island this week.
"Whilst we welcome local visitors to enjoy these facilities the issues with litter are a regular occurrence. Our enforcement officers continue to regularly patrol the area and will issue penalty notices for littering offences and illegal parking where appropriate.
"The enforcement team will be undertaking high-visibility and covert operations to target those unwilling to clear up after themselves."
Rob Thomas, Managing Director of Vale council, added: “We would like to remind visitors to please adhere to the byelaws that are currently in place in addition to the lockdown restrictions due to Covid-19.
"It would be grossly unfair to all of those local residents and visitors who have enjoyed our beautiful coastline and resorts responsibly this week if we were forced to take more permanent measures to prevent mass gatherings and antisocial behaviour, but this is something we must now consider."
Responding to anti-social behaviour across the Vale of Glamorgan on Thursday, including the mass-brawl at Ogmore-by-Sea which saw two men arrested, South Wales Police's Chief Superintendent Andy Valentine said anti-social behaviour and criminality would not be tolerated.
He said: "Our officers are responding to these incidents and are using the powers available to them, including dispersal orders and enforcement action, however with more than 100 miles of coastline, parks, towns and city centres, it is extremely challenging and we cannot be everywhere all of the time.
"Existing demand from all other crimes and daily business does not go away while we deal with these incidents, and those committing ASB and other criminality risk keeping us away from those who need us most.
"We will work tirelessly to uphold the law, but we cannot do this alone. Personal responsibility is crucial as civil restrictions ease."
Ch. Supt Valentine added that personal responsibility is crucial as the lockdown restrictions ease, but that also: "Communities can expect to see an increased police presence in some areas and those found to be breaking the law through anti-social or violent behaviour will be dealt with robustly."
