Cardigan police keen to crack down on anti-social behaviour at Poppit Sands

The area – designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest – has been plagued by problems in the past, which has seen litter strewn around the dunes, with broken glass and bottles and general anti-social behaviour.

Police patrols have been stepped up in the area and now, to coincide with the release of exam results which often leads to a rise in problems, youngsters have been told to steer clear or they could find themselves in trouble.

Such warnings have proved successful; in the last couple of years.

A police spokesman said: “Historically 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 police wish for the public to enjoy the beautiful countryside and coastline but wish for members of the public to be aware of the impact camping can have in the sand dunes.”

The dispersal order will be effective from noon tomorrow (Thursday, August 15, AS/A level examination result night) to 11.59pm on Friday and from noon on Thursday, August 22 (GCSE examination result night) to 11.59pm on Friday, August 23.

Last year, youths caught littering while holding a party at Poppit Sands were made to carry out a beach clean.

Those responsible for making a mess were brought back to the beach area by the local Neighbourhood Policing Team to carry out litter picking.