Aberystwyth Promenade will be banned for drinkers

Ceredigion Council's Cabinet voted for the clampdown after hearing in a police report that it was the only way to deal with homeless drunks and vagrants who congregate in certain areas of the seaside town.

Officers also said a complete ban was the only way to stop violent crime which has risen sharply in the last 12 months.

Following a lengthy consultation exercise, the authority is now to prepare an order banning alcohol from a large area of with those flouting the law facing prosecution.

The report....paints a sad picture of Aberystwyth Councillor Dai Lloyd Evans

Council leader Dai Lloyd Evans said: "The (police) report confirms what the local people have said about the social situation, which paints a sad picture of Aberystwyth," he said.

"Lets hope that it will now become a less of an attraction for these kinds of people and activities."

The ban, once implemented, will cover the whole of Aberystwyth town centre from Victoria Terrace right down to Trefechan including Marine Terrace and the Castle grounds as well as Bronglais Hospital and a large stretch of Boulevard St Brieuc.

'Highly intoxicated state'

In his report calling on councillors to introduce the ban, Inspector Robyn Mason said many of the people causing the problems arrived in the town on trains in a "highly intoxicated state".

"Unfortunately the railway line ends in Aberystwyth and they leave the train and decide to stay here," he said.

"We have had problems with them congregating in the town centre and other public areas drinking, being abusive towards members of the public, shopkeepers, vomiting, urinating, causing damage and leaving a mess."

Last year Aberystwyth Chamber of Trade's leader said the influx of stag and hen parties is part of the reason why the town has seen an upsurge in violent crime.