AN order in place banning drinking alcohol in Cardigan town centre will be extended for another three years, along with other towns in Ceredigion.

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) for Cardigan, Aberystwyth and Lampeter have all been renewed by Ceredigion Council’s cabinet.

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

The previous three-year provision expires on October 19 and has been successful in reducing anti-social behaviour in the towns, members 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, 10 or so years ago, there was a lot of trouble on the streets and the police were not able to do anything.”

It was made clear that the orders would not prevent those business using the designated pedestrian safe zones for extended 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.

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

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

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