Dispersal Orders 448/2026

FOI Reference:448/2026

Request

1. Details of what offences have occurred within Ystradgynlais to justify a Dispersal Order being put in place
2. What type of Dispersal Orders have been put in place (both this weekend + previously) in Ystradgynlais
3. The effect this Order has had on the local community
4. Names + collar numbers of the 3x PCSO’s that attended Tesco Ystradgynlais yesterday (This is requested as he would like to see the invite from Tesco to the Police and to understand why they were there instead of patrolling the area of the Dispersal Order)

Please note: Request received 03.05.2026, so questions refer to that weekend

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below:-

Response Q1

Youths are gathering in Ystradgynlais town Centre, particularly around the library. At times there can be around 30+ in the area. Recently they have been throwing items onto the library roof and entering the enclosed garden. Blocking the toilets and causing a nuisance at The Ynyscedwyn Arms and the Welfare Hall. Starting small fires and leaving rubbish behind the Canolfan Day Centre and smell of cannabis from the area. 

Residents reporting criminal damage and elderly/vulnerable people reporting stones thrown at their windows, swearing, shouting and screaming, climbing the scaffolding, kicking ball against their windows, playing loud music.

Welfare Hall and Library reporting youths disrupting planned events.

Public House reporting criminal damage to property and abusive behaviour.

Canolfan Day Centre reporting large amount of littering, youths climbing on the roof, lighting fires, alcohol and drug use, damage to the guttering.

Response Q2

S.35 Dispersal order issued on two occasions.

Friday 10th April 2026 18.00hrs until Sunday 12th April 2026 18.00hrs, extended then until Tuesday 14th April 2026 18.00hrs (authorised by Inspector V Lloyd)

Friday 1^st May 2026 at 17.00hrs until Sunday 3^rd May 2026 17.00hrs (authorised by Insp S Lloyd)

Response Q3

After initial Dispersal order police received some positive feedback from the community and initially the situation improved however due to further incidents a further dispersal order was granted.  The complainants about the issues have been supportive and state that when the order has been in place it has had the desired effect and they could see an improvement.

Response Q4

PCSO Williams 8185

PCSO Gibbins 8063

PCSO Woodley 8097 (currently being tutored by 8063)

There was no invite from Tesco, it was a pre-planned surgery organised by police giving advice on gift card fraud after police received information of possible victims of such offences.

Response officers were also on duty and were aware of the dispersal order in place.

(This is a response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and disclosed on 20/02/2026)