Teens' behaviour 'not acceptable' in resort

A Cornish beauty spot has been targeted by police following a surge in youth anti-social behaviour.

Officers invoked special powers in Charlestown, near St Austell, last week.

It was the latest use of a dispersal order following one issued for Polzeath last month, and came as officers across Devon and Cornwall asked parents to check on children during the summer holidays amid reports of young people causing issues.

Pier House manager Tamsyn McDonnell said she had to call the police after "not acceptable" behaviour from a large group of teenagers in Charlestown, with her team having to refund customers trying to enjoy meals.

The area, including its harbour, has featured in many films and television programmes, including Poldark, Doctor Who and Where Eagles Dare.

Deputy general manager McDonnell told the BBC there were "underage children coming in that were drunk, being sick on the floor, hiding around the corners" and said her team had to clean up after them.

She added: "No parents to be seen at all, but it was the masses of kids that were coming in. They were coming in 20 to 30 at a time.

"You've got people trying to enjoy a meal around them. We've had to refund a lot of meals."

McDonnell called the police as the youngsters "continued to be a nuisance round the harbour".

"They were throwing things in the harbour, they were shouting at the police and paramedics," she said.

Police issued a dispersal order for one night last Thursday, during Charlestown Regatta week, aimed at preventing problems from teenagers.

Insp Simon Andrews, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said anyone causing disorder or who was likely to cause problems could be issued with a warning and can be asked to leave the area and arrested if they do not.

Police said they spoke to 15 youths on Friday and that the situation had improved by then.

However, Tracy Brown from the Charlestown Fish Co, said she had not been aware of any problems and feared it might stop people from visiting the usually peaceful resort.

"As you can see, it's not that place," she said.

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