Dispersal order given by North Wales Police to youths in Llandudno Junction

Mar 4 2010 by Eva Ketley, North Wales Weekly News

A DISPERSAL order has been issued by North Wales Police to deal with anti-social behaviour in Llandudno Junction.

Residents had complained at community meetings about anti-social behaviour and underage drinking around Conway Road, the memorial hall, Woodlands and Marl Drive.

Community beat officers and police community support officers have increased foot and mobile patrols of known hotspots and dealt with individuals identified.

From 6am on March 11, North Wales Police and Conwy County Council will operate a dispersal order in a bid to prevent large numbers of youths congregating in the streets in Llandudno Junction as well as in the Maelgwyn car park area, the memorial hall on Penrhos Avenue and the multi-use games area.

The scheme is aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour, and will run until 6am on September 11.

Chief Supt Simon Humphreys and Phil Rafferty, of Conwy Council, has authorised for police officers to disperse groups found to be behaving in an anti-social manner.

Members of the public claim they have been intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed as a result of the presence and the behaviour of people who have been gathering and drinking alcohol in the areas around the train station, near the supermarkets and under the fly-overs.

Rhian Owen, anti-social behaviour coordinator for Conwy Community Safety Partnership, and PC Linda Jones, anti-social behaviour officer, explained that the behaviour is significant and a persistent problem.

PC Robert Jones, of the Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This legislation is a very effective tool and will be applied with zero tolerance.

“Our intention is to make the town of Llandudno Junction a safer place to be.

“It’s clear there are a number of people who have a total disregard for the town and its residents.

“Police, residents and business people have all said that we have had enough.

“We are determined to rid the town of this problem.”

Junction councillor Meirion Hughes commented: “Llandudno Junction is no worse than any other town, it’s certainly not the Wild West here and things have dramatically improved over the last few years.

“However, I do support the dispersal order as this is the tool the police need at this time.”