Four officers patrol Polzeath at night

A ban on late-night use of Daymer Bay from 8 July was intended to stop vandalism and violence.

But people in nearby Polzeath say it has forced youngsters into the town, where up to 300 gather late at night.

Police say there is no need to step up security at Polzeath, where four officers patrol from 2200 to 0300 BST.

It's a super place to live for nine months of the year, but for three months in the summer it becomes a living nightmare Marian Pearce

Tess Smith, who lives near the beach, said: "There's hundreds of them on the beach, screaming, shouting and throwing bottles.

"You can't walk down the road and post a letter. It's too scary."

Police have issued an exclusion zone around Marian Pearce's house after complaints of anti-social behaviour.

Mrs Pearce, said: "It's a super place to live for nine months of the year, but for three months in the summer it becomes a living nightmare.

"The dispersal order has made things worse because they come down here to avoid getting an Asbo [Anti-social Behaviour Order] at Daymer Bay."

On 8 July, the police banned anyone from Daymer Bay after 2200 BST because of reported vandalism and violence.

Polzeath has a dispersal order meaning police have the power to ban people from the area or even arrest them if they re-offend.

Police car vandalised

Neighbourhood Team Sergeant Robin Hogg said it had reduced crime.

"There's only been one reported incidence of vandalism and that was to a police vehicle on the beach," he said.

"The town itself has not been subject to any acts of criminal damage.

"There is a large issue relating to the noise down there and we are working with officers on the beach in the evening to try and make it easier for people living on the beachfront."

Beachgoers said that the threat of an Asbo at Daymer had forced them to go to Polzeath. But they blamed a small group of troublemakers.

One woman who wished to remain anonymous said: "I think it's fine, not out of hand or anything. But people react too much to it all."