BOISTEROUS sixth-formers celebrating exam successes have been warned to stay away from Poppit Sands this week and next.

The uncompromising message from Dyfed-Powys Police comes after the area – a Site of Special Scientific Interest – has been hit by a wave of anti-social behaviour in recent weeks.

In the most serious incident, RNLI lifeguards discovered that one of the two flagpoles on the top of their unit at Poppit Sands had been snapped off by people who had climbed up onto its roof.

Now officers have launched a crackdown on vandalism at the beach and say that anyone found drinking alcohol, camping and causing antisocial behaviour will be directed under Section 34 and 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to leave the area.

“Failure to comply with such an order is a criminal offence,” said a spokesperson.

“The dispersal order will be effective from 10am to 10pm tomorrow (Thursday) night and Friday morning (AS/A level examination result night) and from 10am to 10pm on 24-25 August (GCSE examination result night)."

The dispersal notice includes both Poppit Sands beach and Gwbert.

Police patrols in the area have been increased following complaints from community councillors about litter, including broken glass and bottles and general antisocial behaviour.

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