Police have been given new and extended powers to tackle alcohol and drug-related crime and disorder in Llanelli. A new Public Spaces Protection Order is in force in Llanelli, giving officers powers to confiscate drug paraphernalia as well as stop street drinkers.
The order doesn’t mean it’s an offence to drink alcohol in the designated area, but it gives police powers to stop people drinking. People risk arrest or up to £1,000 fines if they don't comply..
Concerns from people living in the town led to a previous order in 2020 to curb anti-social behaviour through drinking alcohol on the streets. That’s now been renewed and extended to include drug paraphernalia and the area the order covers has also been extended to cover the North Dock coastline, as well as the town centre. Support award-winning journalism with WalesOnline’s Premium app on Apple or Android
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The public spaces protection order won't apply to licensed premises such as pubs and clubs. County and town councillor Terry Davies, of Tyisha Ward, said: “It is pleasing to see that this new order also now covers the growing issue of drug paraphernalia. The order will enable our policing teams to direct people to leave if they are gathered in a group and causing anti-social behaviour while under the influence of a drug or alcohol.”
County and town councillors Sean Rees and Louvain Roberts, of Glanymor Ward, said in a joint statement: “We are pleased to see following our request that the PSPO boundary has also been extended to include North Dock, an area with children’s playgrounds which is also used by local sports clubs.” You can get more story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
County and town councillor Michael Cranham, who serves the Bigyn Ward, said people in Llanelli had told councillors they still saw anti-social behaviour as a problem. New signs and posters will be put up in the town explaining the new order.
The move comes as Llanelli launches a bid to become a city. The town’s chamber of trade and commerce has confirmed that it will officially spearhead a bid for city status later this year.
