FOR the second weekend, a police order aimed at stopping crowds gathering in the harbour area of Aberaeron is in place.

Local police put the order in force, covering the harbour area, following anti-social behaviour among crowds there over the Easter bank holiday weekend.

The Dispersal Order, authorised under the ASB Crime and Policing Act 2014, came into force on Friday and lasts until Sunday evening.

It covers the following area in Aberaeron: Quay Parade, Waterloo Street, Cadwgan Place and the Harbour Car Park.

Police said: "The order has been made in response to the crowds that have been gathering in the area over the last two weekends in contravention of the Welsh Government Coronavirus Regulations where social distancing has not been adhered to.

"Local residents and members of the public have been subjected to anti-social behaviour where drunk people have been seen to urinate on the streets, against doorways and in small alleyways."

"Inspector Matthew Howells, Neighbourhoods Inspector with Dyfed-Powys Police based at Lampeter added: “The Quay side at Aberaeron has always been a popular spot for both tourists and local residents to enjoy socialising and watching the setting sun. However, due to the current Welsh Government restrictions in place and the recent good weather we have seen small groups congregating into larger crowds at the Quay.

"People have been bringing alcohol with them to consume whilst socialising with friends.

"Although there is no crime in that in itself the result has been anti-social behaviour to the annoyance of local residents and others trying to enjoy a peaceful evening within the confines of current restrictions.

"Once local licensed premises are allowed to open I envisage the current issue to dissipate. In the meantime however I have taken the decision to authorise the dispersal order. Officers will have the power and authority to direct any persons who behaves in a manner likely to cause any members of the community or any other person to be harassed, alarmed or distressed to leave the area and not return within the period that the order is in place."

The order began at 8pm on Friday, 16 April, and ends at 8pm on Sunday 18 April.

"Should further instances of gatherings occur following this weekend, then a new dispersal orders will be put in place," Insp Howells