YOUTHS caught littering while holding a party at Poppit Sands have been made to carry out a beach clean.

Those responsible for causing a mess in the dunes – designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest - were brought back to the beach area to carry out litter picking.

The beach is a hotspot for antisocial behaviour in the summer months and Dyfed-Powys Police is working with schools, National Parks Authority, town and county councils and Keep Wales Tidy to deal with the issue.

Crymych Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Alex Mason said: “At the end of term some local pupils had a party to celebrate and we had to give them advice about their behaviour and encourage them to tidy up after themselves. We also seized alcohol from the underage group.

“When I noticed the mess they left behind I arranged a litter pick and contacted each party-goer individually to take part.

“Officers will carry on patrolling the area over the summer break. We’re not trying to stop people enjoying the beach, but we are asking them to be safe and behave considerately.”

And to coincide with the release of exam results this week, which often leads to a rise in problems, youngsters planning parties to celebrate exam success have been told to steer clear or they could find themselves in trouble.

A similar scheme was introduced last year and proved successful in nipping potential problems in the bud.

A police spokesman added: “Historically and more recently youths have been gathering in Poppit to camp, consume alcohol and cause anti-social nuisance which is affecting the local residents.

“The police would like to remind members of the public that camping is not permitted at the beach or dunes as it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

“Due to the increased reports of anti-social behaviour in Poppit Sands, police have utilised legislation to disperse persons form the area.

“If any individual is found to be consuming alcohol, camping and causing anti-social behaviour they will be directed under Section 34 and 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to leave the area. Failure to comply with such an order is a criminal offence.

“The dispersal order will be effective from 11am to 11am on 16/08/17 – 17/08/17 (AS/A level examination result night) and 11am to 11am on 23/08/17 – 24/08/17 (GCSE examination result night). The dispersal notice includes both Poppit Sands beach and Gwbert.

“The police wish for the public to enjoy the beautiful countryside and coast line but to be aware of the impact camping can have in the sand dunes.”