A BAN on youth gatherings in parts of Colwyn Bay has been extended for another three years in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Conwy County Borough Council said it will continue the Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) at The Dingle and Eirias Park Bowling Green which make it a criminal offence for children aged 17 and under to meet in groups of three or more unless supervised by an adult.

They also prohibit causing excessive or unreasonable noise, being in possession of open containers of alcohol, and behaving in a way that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Conwy council said the decision comes after discussion with North Wales Police that there is a “continuing need” for the orders, which have been enforced since 2017.

Charlie McCoubrey, Conwy’s cabinet member for regulation said: “It is hoped that these orders will continue to provide an effective deterrent against any anti-social behaviour in the area and also enable offenders to be dealt with swiftly both by police officers and council enforcement officers.”

PSPOs were introduced by the UK Government under the Anti-social Behaviour Crime & Policing Act (2014) to give local authorities and police forces more power to prohibit large gatherings in specified areas to prevent anti-social behaviour and related crime.

They are valid for three years when they have to be extended.

A breach is a criminal offence and is dealt with by way of Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecution through the Magistrates’ Court.

District inspector Claire Shiland said: “We believe that the extension to the Public Space Protection Orders will continue to make our community safer and help us tackle problems that cause fear, anxiety and nuisance to local residents.

“Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated; North Wales Police will work with our partners to ensure robust enforcement of the law to deliver a safer neighbourhood for everyone.”