Police gain Gower beach ban power

The beach's famous huts have been vandalised

Police have new powers to break up groups causing trouble and ban people from one of Wales' busiest beaches.

Langland Bay on Gower is a popular haunt for youngsters after school exams and with people staging beach parties.

Residents claim anti-social behaviour reached new levels last summer, with fighting, vandalism, disturbance into the early hours and under-age drinking.

Now a dispersal zone has been set up in a bid to combat anti-social behaviour during the summer.

Lasting six months, it gives police the power to move on groups of two or more people thought to be causing trouble and to ban them from the area for 24 hours, without having to arrest them.

It is the second such order made in Swansea following one covering High Street and the railway station in the city centre.

Hywel Evans of the Langland Bay Residents' Association said the seafront had always been popular with youngsters, but in recent years some had started causing trouble.

This order is not being introduced to demonise people who like to hang out in the area Nicci Southard-Stuart, Safer Swansea Partnership

"Last year it reached a level that caused a lot of disquiet. There were 100 to 200 youths gathering and causing mayhem.

"There was a big under-age booze scene, fights, vandalism and disturbance going long into the night with music and fireworks."

Many of the 1920s beach huts were damaged in a spate of attacks that saw doors kicked in and panelling ripped off.

"They were using the wood for fires on the beach," added Mr Evans.

He said residents were hopeful the new powers would tackle the problem.

"Hopefully, they will be able to tackle any problems before they take hold."

Nicci Southard-Stuart of the Safer Swansea Partnership said the order was in response to residents' concerns.

"I must stress that this order is not being introduced to demonise people who like to hang out in the area," she added.

"The majority behave perfectly well and this order will not affect them in any way.

"It will help police to deal with the small minority of people who are rowdy, cause vandalism and behave in an anti-social way."

Inspector Rhodri Williams of South Wales Police said: "We hope the dispersal order will contribute towards making Langland Bay an enjoyable and pleasant environment for both visitors and nearby residents.

"Police officers will only be moving people on when there is a need - it does not ban people from using the beach and surrounding areas in a responsible way."