09:00 - 16 June 2005
Hopes are high that a dispersal order can be introduced in parts of Portreath in time for the summer season to combat anti-social behaviour.
The legislation, which will have to be approved by Kerrier Council and police chiefs, would give police the power to move on groups of people, including youths, causing "intimidation, harassment, alarm or distress" to others. Unaccompanied under 16s could be taken home after 9pm.
The decision to apply for the order was taken at last week's meeting of the parish council when residents turned out in force to demand action against groups of youths who terrorise the resort with their drinking, fighting, vandalism and intimidating behaviour.
The residents handed in a petition highlighting the problems of "boy racers", car horns blaring late into the evening, sexual behaviour in public places, broken bottles, and aggression.
They claimed the problems had been made worse by the dispersal order in Illogan, which had shifted troublemakers into their village. Businesses were being affected, and Portreath's reputation as a holiday resort was being tarnished.
One resident described how someone from Birmingham had been on the point of taking on a long-term rental of a property in the village until they witnessed some of the problems. They had changed their mind, comparing the village to parts of Manchester.
Another resident reported seeing youths racing cars backwards through the village, and doing "donuts" in the car park.
Another said she found a young couple having sex in the women's toilet in the early afternoon.
A businessman said his takings were falling as tourists saw the problems, promised never to return, and told their friends to stay away as well.
Neighbourhood beat manager PC Tim Roberts said he recognised there were problems in the village, and he believed a dispersal order would help policing efforts.
"We recognise that there has been trouble. In previous years dispersal orders have not been available to us," he said.
"I would like to think the parish council and the public recognise the police are trying to do something about these problems."
He believed the dispersal order in Illogan had been effective, and would be renewed for a further six months as a result. Portreath would benefit from a similar order during the summer months.
Ashton White wanted to know which parts of the village would be covered.
Mr Roberts said: "The parish council can comment on the areas to be included, but it will be drawn up by the police where historically there have been problems, or where we believe there may be problems to do with legislation introduced elsewhere."
He suggested the areas likely to be covered would include the beach, car park, harbour, Beach Road and the square.
Nigel Mathews proposed the council ask the police to pursue a dispersal order in the village. His fellow councillors supported him unanimously.
Sgt Paul Marchant, who was also at the meeting, said the police planned to introduce another initiative to combat anti-social behaviour.
Instead of working in isolation, Redruth neighbourhood beat managers would be teaming up.
He said: "They will roam the area in a marked police van. They will carry out foot patrols in the summer. You will see a lot higher police presence than you have in the past."
E-mail: julianr@c-dm.co.uk
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