POLICE in Porthmadog were granted a dispersal order this weekend to tackle anti-social behaviour in the town.

The order ran from 2pm Saturday 1 August, for 48 hours until 2pm today, Monday. The order encompassed the town centre.

North Wales Police said in a statement: "The power enables officers and PCSOs to direct individuals who they believe could commit crime or disorder to leave the designated area for up to 48 hours. Failure to comply with the order will evoke a power of arrest."

The dispersal order was granted following an increase of calls about people congregating in the town centre and drinking alcohol in public spaces. This included reports of people behaving in an antisocial manner into the early hours of the morning.

Sgt Colin Jones said: “We are taking these necessary measures to protect the local community. The community should not have to experience or suffer such behaviour that has been evident in recent weeks. A breach of this order is an offence that can lead to arrest and prosecution.

“We are committed to delivering safer neighbourhoods and to make North Wales the safest place in the UK”.

Anyone who witnesses antisocial behaviour should contact North Wales Police on 101 or use the live webchat https://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/live-chat-support alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.