A BIG crackdown on street violence and drinking is sweeping Colwyn Bay.
Police, who have been waging a battle against yobbish behaviour, have now been given a six month dispersal order to break up gangs and stop alcohol being drunk on the streets.
The order covering Abergele Road and nearby key streets came into effect on Monday and will remain in place until January.
Police will have the power to move on groups of two or more who congregate in the areas covered by the order as well as forcing gangs who do not live locally to leave.
The penalties for failing to comply are three months jail and a fine of up to £2,500.
Insp Ian Verburg said: “The Dispersal Order has been introduced to reduce anti-social behaviour and make the public feel safe. The vast majority of members of the public in Colwyn Bay are law abiding people and this order is a preventative and tactical measure for the police to use to disrupt the minority who are intent on causing harassment, alarm and distress to others."
Roads covered in the operation include Rhiw Road, Park Road and Nant y Glyn Road, with Douglas Road, Rhiw Bank Avenue, Meirioin Gardens, Victor Road, Agnes Grove, Grove Park and The Close also being closely monitored.
Although police have been receiving a stream of complaints about yobbish behaviour Cllr Bob Squire believes the problem stems from a surge in former prisoners moving into the town.
He said: “The only way to tackle antisocial behaviour is to reduce the number of bedsits, because of the sheer number of people we get who have come in from prisons. People like probation are bringing them in as well, and they’re held by absentee landlords.
“It doesn’t surprise me that the police are going for dispersal orders, but at the end of the day, it’s got to be reducing the bedsits. We need to provide affordable housing in the area. They’ve got to get to the heart of the problem.”
Anyone who witnesses anti social behaviour is urged to call 101 (if in Wales), 0845 607 1001 (Welsh language line) 0845 607 1002 (English language line) or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.