THE Vale council cabinet members will meet today (July 27) to discuss implementing additional orders aimed at protecting the public in the Barry Island area.
The discussion follows South Wales Police imposing a Section 35 order – the powers to deal with people acting in an anti-social behaviour – after large numbers of youths gathered and fights broke out on Wednesday, July 22.
Officers were able to use the powers to disperse the crowds.
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Vale council leader, Cllr Neil Moore said the scenes of disorder at Barry Island were disgraceful, completely unacceptable and would not be tolerated.
Cllr Moore said: “There is no room for anti-social behaviour at any time, but as we remain in the midst of a global pandemic it was all the more appalling.
“Those congregating in large number showed a total disregard not only for their own safety but that of the wider community by blatantly ignoring important rules on social distancing.
“Such actions threaten the progress being made to slow the rate of coronavirus infection and return daily life to normal.
“Barry Island is a designated ‘no alcohol zone’ meaning it is illegal to drink in public spaces there and I recently wrote to licensed premises in the area reminding them of the strict guidelines governing their alcohol sales.
“Police and council officers can confiscate alcohol and issue individuals with fixed penalty notices, while enforcement action can also be taken against businesses if it is found their actions have contributed to problems.
“We will also be confiscating any alcohol that people bring with them, particularly as they leave the train to the Island.
“If you can’t or won’t behave or wish to cause chaos then our simple message is: please stay away.
“We don’t want you to come to our resorts at all.
“Please stay away unless you respect others around you and come to enjoy yourself in a friendly and socially acceptable way.
He added: “As a council, we have worked hard to establish Barry Island as a top-class family-friendly resort and I will not have that reputation tarnished by the mindless behaviour of a minority.
“We will continue to work with the police to prevent mass gatherings and tackle incidents of anti-social behaviour and must now consider whether further steps need to be taken in this regard.
“To that end, on Monday (July 27) the council’s cabinet will discuss implementing additional Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to control the consumption of alcohol at a range of locations around the Vale.”
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