Fed-up locals have called for an Ayrshire beach to have a “safe zone” to protect themselves from boozed up yobs.
Ayrshire Live has been made aware that residents are avoiding their local sandy hot spots after being too intimidated by an army of youths who head for the coast for a party.
One Troon resident has called for a segregated area of the beach where families and children can enjoy the sun kissed sand without fear or alarm.
Martyn Emslie, 51, says he and other residents want to implement a colour coded zone system which will draw a line in the sand to ward off louts.
Proposals include an alcohol free ‘green zone’ marked with flags and located at the main drag next to the beach kiosk.
The dad-of-two was left horrified by scenes last Wednesday as hundreds flocked to the shore as the mercury hit the mid 20s.
Youths blaring music, shouting and swearing and “flipping bins” was the tipping point for Martyn and other furious locals.
Martyn told Ayrshire Live: “We want to create a ‘safe zone’ where people can enjoy the beach without feeling intimidated.
“It’s sad it has come to this but we’ve had enough of the behaviour of groups of youths who come down here.
“They are loud, they blare music, they don’t show any respect for the beach.
“Residents have been in contact with me to say they just avoid the beach now because they are too intimidated. We can’t allow that to continue.
“The zone will be alcohol free, and will be for families to go and enjoy themselves away from trouble.”
Martyn has also suggested the idea of a blue zone which will be for activities and he’s hoping it could help drive youngsters away from the bottle.
He added: “There is a lot of potential to get more activities down at the beach to make it more attractive.
“We could run 5-a-side football some days, volleyball on others. Maybe we could get some activities in the water, like paddle boarding?
“I think we need to try and do more on the beach, engage young people. Give them something else to do rather than come down here and drink.”
Troon’s top cop admits a ‘safe zone’ would be “extremely difficult” to police as this summer seasons Safer Shores initiative kicked off.
It comes after an assault probe was launched following a bottle attack on an 18-year-old lad on Wednesday night.
Officers were spotted lining up at Troon station the next day to meet youngsters coming off the train from Glasgow, Lanarkshire and the Central Belt.
Inspector Ian McColl, told Ayrshire Live: “When the sun is out we always will get thousands who head to the coast. It’s not just Troon, officers are having to deal with it in Ayr and spots in North Ayrshire too.
“Since Safer Shores has started this year we’ve had one incident that is a policing matter.
“That is one too many, but there is nothing else of note.
“Not all visitors to the beach are out to cause terror. There is a lot of very decent young adults who come to our beaches.”
A council spokesperson said: "The council is part of the Safer Shores plan. The initiative which has just been launched for 2023 by Police Scotland means we work with partners including the police to minimise disorder so everyone can enjoy our beaches over the summer.
"We are always looking to improve the plan and will consider any viable proposals which must, of course, be enforceable."
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