Large parts of two Welsh towns have become the subject of "dispersal orders" after police have received numerous complaints from local residents about anti-social behaviour, underage drinking and drug-taking in their local communities. The orders give officers extra powers to "move people out" of the areas for a set period of 48 hours over this weekend.
The orders are in place for the Mariners Quay area of Aberavon from Friday, June 16 at 4pm for 48 hours, and for the greater Llanelli area from Friday, June 16 at 6pm for 48 hours, officers have confirmed.
Confirming the timings for the dispersal order in the Mariners Quay area, a spokesperson for South Wales Police Swansea and Neath Port Talbot said: "Following reports of anti-social behaviour and groups congregating at Mariners Quay, Mariners Point and the adjacent beach front area in Port Talbot, a Section 35 Dispersal order will be in place covering the area from 4pm today, Friday, June 16, for a period of 48 hours." You can sign up to our specialist crime newsletter for the latest crime stories directly to your inbox here.
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Neighbourhood police inspector Andy Matthews added: "Over the past three weeks we have had numerous complaints from residents about people congregating, drinking and being anti-social in these areas, and we anticipate further issues this coming weekend.
"There have continued to be issues during the past week at the location and yesterday [Thursday], on visiting the area, there was a large amount of rubbish spread across the beach including alcohol bottles, cans, evidence of drug use, disposable BBQs and broken glass - just to name a few things - left over from Wednesday night. With the weather improving we want to ensure that families and residents can enjoy this lovely part of Port Talbot. Thank you for your support."
Explaining why a dispersal notice has also been introduced in the greater Llanelli area, a spokesperson for Llwynhendy, Llangennech, Dafen and Felinfoel Police said: "A section 34 dispersal notice has been authorised for the greater Llanelli area covering locations such as Burry Port, Llanelli town centre, Swiss Valley reservoir, Felinfoel park. This will allow police to move people out of specified areas for 48 hours. This has been put in place to tackle ASB [anti-social behaviour] and under-age drinking. This will be in place from 6pm Friday, June 16 until 6pm Sunday, June 18, 2023."
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