A POLICE initiative to banish late-night boy-racer disturbances at an Abergavenny car park has enjoyed some success.

This weekend officers dealt with no anti-social behaviour issues at the Fairfield car park after patrolling the offenders’ race-track playground on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.

Their monitoring of the problem-filled expanse came just a week after a similar exercise climaxed with 18 drivers - identified as potential troublemakers - were given their marching orders. They were deemed nocturnal nuisances at the scene and on surrounding streets.

Each was issued with a Dispersal Order banning their return to the area within 48 hours. If they did they would be arrested.

But the latest vigil, which also roped in the bus station car park and surrounding areas, passed without incident. Warnings had been heeded and local residents at both ends of town enjoyed a relatively peaceful few nights.

Both weekend watches were ordered by police chiefs amid increasing reports of anti-social drivers gathering in car parks with their noisy vehicles. Over the last month, annoyed residents have reported dins from beeping horns and music.

Large groups of meeting motorists had stopped them from sleeping with their windows open.

Copious quantities of litter - including takeaway wrappers - were also been left at both locations.

Inspector Huw Jones, who authorised the Dispersal Order under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, explained after the first weekend blitz, “A Dispersal Order aims to deal with as well as prevent any incidents from taking place. We did receive positive feedback from residents following last weekend’s operation - and I’d like to thank them for their support.”

He added, “The problem of anti-social behaviour in the area has been a long-term issue which we are working with Monmouthshire County Council to tackle.

“Dispersal Orders are just one in a range of methods we are using to reduce incidents. Local officers have worked to engage with a wide range of partner agencies including local residents and drivers to look at ways of overcoming this issue.”

But he warned, “If people continue to act in a way that causes distress to the local community, they will be dealt with.”

His crime and disorder officer, PC Maldwyn John, said after this weekend’s peaceful sortie, “The message appears to have got through after the previous weekend. No orders were handed out. There were no problems. Drivers are learning that if they use the car park at night they cannot cause a nuisance.”

He said officers would be monitoring the sites to make sure problems are kept to a minimum.

Already, a safety barrier has been installed at the top end of the Fairfield car park to restrict night-time car users.

The exit point will be controlled by a crocodile teeth ramp and soon a gate will be installed to bar late-night entry to the main car park space.