 Street drinking has become a problem in Holyhead |
Problems with drunken behaviour at one of Wales' main ferry ports have led to Anglesey's first alcohol-free zone being launched. The area covers Holyhead town centre, train station and ferry terminal.
It follows complaints from members of the public, traders and tourists about drunkenness and anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Hefin Thomas said he hoped it would end the problem of "groups of young lads drinking on the streets, making a nuisance of themselves".
Police officers enforcing the zone will have powers to confiscate alcohol and make arrests if people do not stop drinking.
Mr Thomas, in charge of public protection at Anglesey Council, said that anti-social drinking was "totally unacceptable".
"[It] leads to criminal, disorderly and violent behaviour," he said.
Mr Thomas said the issue had been a problem for several years, but had "heightened" in the last six months, and gave a very bad first impression to people visiting Holyhead.
"I believe that this alcohol-free zone is a step in the right direction and we are currently looking at the possibility of setting up further zones on the island," he added.
The zone has been created by Anglesey's Council, following an application by the island's community safety partnership.
The designated area will also extend beyond Holyhead High School, Newry beach and Victoria Road.
Holyhead councillor Cliff Everett said that "inconsiderate behaviour" by drinkers was a serious problem.
"[I] trust that with the correct enforcement we will soon be rid of problems associated with alcohol," he said.
"This zone will help create a safer environment and improve the quality of life for the people of Holyhead."
Meanwhile, North Wales Police are looking for a gang of 20 youngsters - girls as well as boys - who chased and attacked two men in Holyhead.
The two young men, who were punched, kicked and had hurled stones at them, needed treatement at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor.
A wallet with a large amount of cash was also stolen in the incident last Friday night after the men in their 20s had left the local skate park.
They were chased along three streets to the beach, where the attack took place.
Police said the attackers were all between 15 and 17.
On the other side of Anglesey, a series of measures to stop anti-social behaviour in the village of Dwyran have been announced. The number of crimes reported in Dwyran rose rapidly during December, with 13 incidents reported in one day.
The "action plan" which has been introduced include a CCTV camera being installed, and visits by the Red Cross Youth Outreach project.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
This zone will help create a safer environment and improve the quality of life for the people of Holyhead 
