Plans to give police more powers to tackle anti-social behavior in Llanelli, including requiring drug equipment to be distributed, have received widespread support. Carmarthenshire Council plans to introduce a three-year “public places protection order” to replace the existing one, which expired at the end of September.

These orders allow councils to crack down on behavior in a particular area that negatively affects the community’s quality of life. The new order planned for Llanelli includes the North Dock and covers a larger area than the previous one.

Council’s local, sustainability and climate change committee unanimously supported the proposal at its November 23 meeting. Cllr Karen Davies, who chaired the meeting, said: “I know how much is needed in the Llanelli area and we are obviously very pleased. in support of officers.”

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The committee’s report said alcohol was confiscated 312 times during the first three-year order. In 2021 and 2022, 1,074 drug and alcohol-related incidents were reported in Llanelli, although the real number is believed to be higher. Although it is not a crime to drink alcohol in the area covered by the order, police may ask people to stop drinking or hand over their alcohol if they believe it will have a harmful effect on the surrounding area. Failure to do so could result in imprisonment and a fine of up to £500.

Dyfed Powys Police wanted the confiscation element of the new order to cover drug paraphernalia, including legal highs. The maximum fine for non-compliance will be £1,000. But the order would not apply to needles in their original packaging to reduce the risk of needle sharing. Additional dispersal powers may eventually be added to the order depending on the outcome of the ongoing court case.

The Cabinet of Ministers is expected to make a decision on the order at a meeting on December 11th. If approved, it will come into effect as soon as the signs announcing it are ready.

Businesses that spoke to the Local Democracy Information Service supported the plans. Andrew Marzano said anti-social behavior in the city center had worsened in the seven years he had run Marzano’s on Cowell Street. “This city is famous,” he said. “It’s unpleasant: old people come to you.” Marzano disagreed that most cities and urban centers have their own problems, but added: “We see it every day. It’s in your face. The loss of stores, he added, didn’t help. He praised his customers’ loyalty. “It’s fantastic,” he said.

Amy Howells, owner of women’s clothing store Amy’s, said she also supports the new order. “We’re very lucky here on Cowell Street,” he said. “I talked to community support representatives when there were small problems.” And he added: “The city needs help.” Amanda Davies, owner of On Your Bike in Stepney Street, said any measures to improve safety in the town are welcome. But I didn’t think anti-social behavior was a big problem at the moment. “I’ve seen worse,” he said.

Lesley Richards, chair of Ymlaen Llanelli Business Group, said she fully supports the request. Most people and groups also supported it during a public consultation earlier this year. One interviewee called the city center “post-apocalyptic.”

A new addition to the city center will be the refurbished former YMCA building on Stepney Street following a multi-million pound renovation. Commercial facilities, offices and apartments will be located here. Meanwhile, the Llanelli Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday 2 December.