A dispersal order is in force for parts of Aberaeron for a third weekend after reports of illegal mass gatherings in the town, police have confirmed.

This week council chiefs and community leaders spoke of their disappointment at large crowds meeting outside at the seaside town in successive weekends.

Considerable amounts of litter, including glass bottles, beer cans and discarded takeaway containers were also found at North Beach on Sunday morning.

It followed scenes on the town quay on Easter Sunday which prompted county councillor Elizabeth Evans to condemn the behaviour of over 150 people as ‘totally irresponsible’.

Aberaeron Police said on Facebook: "A dispersal order authorised under the ASB Crime and Policing Act 2014 has been authorised for the following area in Aberaeron: Quay Parade, Waterloo Street, Cadwgan Place and the harbour car park.

"The dispersal order area can be changed depending on where the large crowds may be gathering. Therefore, be sensible when meeting with friends or family this weekend.

"The order will begin at 8pm tonight (Friday) and end at 8pm on Sunday. Should further instances of gatherings occur following this weekend then a new dispersal orders will be put in place."

Commenting on last week's scenes, Cllr Evans said ‘hundreds’ had again gathered in the centre of the town, and described the behaviour of some as 'unacceptable'.

“The police used the dispersal order, but not before a very large crowd had been on the quayside for quite some time,” she told the Tivy-Side.

“Once dispersed, the problem then moved to the promenade. The level of anti-social behaviour was again unacceptable and intimidating for local residents.

“I asked the police to extend the dispersal order to cover the whole of the centre of Aberaeron for this coming weekend, and that more police are deployed earlier in the day as people gather, and to monitor the situation into the evening.

“I spent Monday re-assuring very angry residents that we will not have a repeat of the previous weekend and I urge people not to gather in large groups and to behave responsibly.

“I am asking them not to urinate in doorways and to put their rubbish in bins, or take it home with them. The last thing I want to see is a by-law preventing drinking in public spaces as they have in other Ceredigion towns.

“I refuse to let a small group of irresponsible people spoil this town.”