Police say problems had worsened over the past two years

A plan has been proposed by police to close Daymer Bay, near Rock, from 10pm to 3am during some of July and August.

The proposal aims to stamp out excessive unruly behaviour.

The police said up to 500 youngsters aged between 14 and 20 congregated on the beach every night during this year's summer holidays.

We have been forced to take this action Pc Malcolm Taylor

The plan has been put forward following discussions between police, local residents, businesses and the St Minver Lowlands Parish Council.

Police said problems had worsened considerably over the past two years and last summer, over the corresponding six-week period, 22 reports of assault were reported at Daymer Bay and nearby Polzeath Beach.

Police believe that many more offences went unreported.

Area Neighbourhood Beat Manager Pc Malcolm Taylor said: "We have been forced to take this action because of the rapidly-growing nuisance caused by these young people which has made life a misery for local residents in recent times.

"Obviously, however, we don't want to discourage responsible beach users, so there will be dispensation built in to the agreement for genuine users such as dog walkers."

The force say similar problems on nearby Polzeath Beach would be tackled by a round-the-clock dispersal order, enabling officers to move groups of youngsters on.