Ayrshire coast visitors are being asked to help ensure a good summer – by keeping alcohol out of their luggage and avoiding anti-social behaviour on the beach.
Fun in the sun can be enjoyed without those unwelcome additions, say councils, emergency services, transport and NHS chiefs.
Together, they launched the Ayrshire Safer Shores 2022 campaign ahead of the Jubilee holiday weekend.
Ayrshire Safer Shores is a partnership initiative involving ScotRail, British Red Cross, British Transport Police, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, North and South Ayrshire councils, Police Scotland, the Scottish Ambulance Service and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
The purpose of Safer Shores is to safeguard people who visit the Ayrshire coast during the ‘beach season’; ensuring they can travel safely, are protected from crime and disorder and have a pleasant visitor experience.
Alongside this, partners work to maintain Ayrshire’s status as a leading visitor destination and minimise any impact on local communities and have a comprehensive plan in place to help achieve this.
The plan sets out what partners will do to maximise public safety, minimise disorder and provide public reassurance to ensure everyone can enjoy Ayrshire’s coast over the holidays.
This includes alcohol bans on trains running to and from the Ayrshire coast; extra Police Scotland and British Transport Police patrols on trains, in and around train stations, and on the beaches; increased community safety, environmental and Coastguard patrols; and enforcement of the no alcohol by-law in public places – including beaches.
South Ayrshire Council leader Martin Dowey said: “Our beaches are fantastic places to spend a sunny summer day and we love nothing more than seeing people out enjoying all that our stunning coastline has to offer.
“While we know the majority of people just want to enjoy the sunshine and a great day out, our Safer Shores campaign shows that we will not tolerate drinking or anti-social behaviour that has the potential to ruin that fun in the sun for everyone else including children, families, young people, local residents and visitors."
Meanwhile, Councillor Scott Davidson, cabinet member for place at North Ayrshire Council, said: “We are always delighted to welcome people to the stunning Ayrshire coastline and our beaches.
“With Covid restrictions lifted and a fantastic summer of events ahead of us – including the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and the Making Waves Festival – we expect people to return in greater numbers.”
Superintendent Gillian Grant said: “Residents and visitors can be assured a comprehensive policing plan is in place to deal with the influx of visitors.
“The beaches are there for everyone’s enjoyment and people should be able to enjoy their day safely. We will have additional officers in place to tackle all forms of anti-social behaviour, in particular, alcohol abuse on the beach and transport networks.
“As well as enforcement, we are linking in with the licensing trade to ensure that legislation and practice in relation to off-sales is rigorously applied.
“By working collaboratively with our partners on the Safer Shores initiative, we ensure everyone has a safe, enjoyable and memorable day. Also, it’s worth remembering, if the beaches are busy, so too are the roads, so please be patient, use available car parks and always park responsibly.”
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
