Cops to make Ayr beach safer

Jul 18 2008

BOBBIES on the beat and a ban on anti-social behaviour will help make Ayr beach one of the safest.

Police and council leaders have joined forces to launch a summer shore initiative aimed at making a day at Ayr beach one to remember – for all the right reasons.

High-profile police and community warden patrols will dominate the shorefront at weekends throughout July and August.

And it’s hoped that it will have the same impact as a similar campaign last summer which saw a marked decline in disorder and scores of people arrested for offences ranging from drugs and driving to littering and noise.

Deputy leader of South Ayrshire Council, Margaret Toner, said: “The initiative was very successful last year and I am sure that it will be again this year.

“Ayr seafront is a wonderful place for people to sit and relax and have fun.

“Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We want everyone who visits the shorefront at Ayr to have an enjoyable time and leave with happy memories.”

Superintendent John Hazlett is in charge of policing across South Ayrshire.

And he’s confident that the initiative will make a difference.

He said: “Extra police officers will be patrolling the Ayr esplanade area throughout the weekends during the afternoon and into the evening to ensure that this busy and popular area remains safe and secure for residents and summer visitors.”

More than 30 people were arrested for motoring offences during the 2007 campaign and 16 Anti-Social Behaviour Orders were issued to drivers.

Fifteen people were arrested on drug-related charges, a further 30 reported for litter and other disorder offences and six cars were seized using anti-social behaviour legislation.

A survey carried out at the end of last year’s campaign showed that 97 per cent of those who responded are in favour of a repeat performance.

Superintendent Hazlett added: “Strathclyde Police, in conjunction with South Ayrshire Council and the Community Safety Partnership, is investing significant resources during the summer months of July and August to build on the success of the good work carried out last summer.”