03/29/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

ORDERS in place banning drinking alcohol in certain public areas of Ceredigion towns will be extended for another three years.

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) the town centres of Aberystwyth, Lampeter and Cardigan have been renewed by Ceredigion Council’s cabinet.

At a virtual meeting on Tuesday (September 1) members heard that the orders, which allow police or authorised officers to fine up to £500 those who fail to comply with a request to not drink alcohol or refuses to surrender it o the officer.

The previous three year provision expires on October 19 and has been successful in reducing anti-social behaviour in the towns member heard.

Aberystwyth councillor Ceredig Davies said he fully supported the scheme’s extension, adding “if someone was to walk the streets of Aberystwyth today they would think why is it needed but those with longer memories, ten or so years ago, there was a lot of trouble on the streets and the police were not able to do anything.”

It was clarified that it did not prevent those business using the designated safe zones for extend seating from selling alcohol as long as those drinking it remained in the licensed areas.

Cllr Hag Harries added his support highlighting the positive impact it had had on Lampeter town centre.

Dyfed-Powys Police evidence, including ‘heat maps’ of anti-social behaviour, confirmed that the PSPOs did have an impact in areas they were implemented.

They were supported by the three town councils concerned and the police and crime commissioner, with no requests to alter boundaries made.

Cabinet approved continuing the orders from October 2020 to October 2023 and the cost of public notices to raise awareness of around £650.

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