Drinking ban plan for town centre

The ban in Cardigan could come into force next Easter

Church leaders, police and councillors are drawing up an action plan in a crackdown on rowdy behaviour and street drinkers in a Ceredigion town.

The project in Cardigan could see police having new powers to confiscate alcoholic drinks from revellers.

Mayor Mark Cole said the alcohol ban could be in force by next Easter, and would make the town a more attractive place to visit in the evenings.

A similar scheme introduced in 2005 in Aberystwyth has been successful.

The project leaders have already held a meeting and are working on an action plan.

The proposals aim to reduce late-night noise, littering, the fears about safety and anti-social behaviour.

'Significant boost'

Mayor Mr Cole said: "These things cause concern in Cardigan and we don't want people feeling intimidated because of the night-time economy.

"There has been a campaign for a drinking ban for the middle of the town and we're hoping that will be in place by next Easter.

"This will be a significant boost to the efforts to make Cardigan more attractive for people to visit in the evenings."

Mr Cole added that drinkers currently congregated on the steps of the town's Guildhall Hall, but new powers would allow police to confiscate cans of alcohol.

Similar schemes in Rhyl, Llandudno, Aberystwyth and Swansea were introduced a few years ago.