Late-night parties on Aberystwyth’s beaches are causing ‘nuisance and annoyance’ to nearby residents, local police officers have said.

The local policing team in Aberystwyth say they are having to deal with a number of late night calls to gatherings on Aberystwyth’s north and south beach and are reminding people to be considerate to nearby residents.

Officers are also reminded people that restrictions are in place in Aberystwyth, limiting the places where alcohol can be consumed.

A Public Spaces Protection Order is in place across most of Aberystwyth, including the beaches, which prohibits the consumption of alcohol and those caught could face a fine of up to £500.

The order was brought in to help officers deal with the problems of nuisance, annoyance or disorder associated with the consumption of alcohol.

It is aimed at reducing alcohol-related crime and keeping Ceredigion a safe and pleasant place to live, work and visit.

An Aberystwyth police spokesperson said: “A Public Spaces Protection Order provides additional powers to help the police deal with the problems of nuisance, annoyance or disorder associated with consumption of alcohol in certain areas.

“The local policing team are having to respond to late night calls of gatherings and parties along both North and South Beach, Aberystwyth that are causing nuisance and annoyance to local residents.

“We’d urge those people using the beach during the evenings and night to be considerate of those living nearby and to be aware of the impact of their behaviour.

“We’ll be out and about patrolling these areas and where we believe alcohol consumption is or is likely to lead to anti-social behaviour, nuisance or annoyance we’ll be using the powers available to us seize alcohol.”

Under the order, police have powers to control the consumption of alcohol within the protected space.

If they believe someone is consuming alcohol or intends to consume alcohol they can either require them not to consume that alcohol and/or request them to surrender the alcohol

The officer can also dispose of the alcohol.

The PSPO will not make it a criminal offence to drink alcohol in the protected space.

However failure to comply with the officer’s request without reasonable excuse is an arrestable offence.

PSPOs are in place in Aberystwyth, Cardigan and Lampeter after they were renewed by Ceredigion County Council in September last year and will continue until at least 2023.

When renewing the orders, Cllr Catherine Hughes, Ceredigion Cabinet member for wellbeing hubs and culture, said: “Our towns are welcoming, thriving and safe places for people of all ages and backgrounds. “Extending the Public Space Protection Orders will allow officers to control instances of alcohol related anti-social behaviour, crime, and harassment should they arise.”