Beachgoers 'leave human waste in gardens' and people are 'peeing in bins'

Wales Online

02-05-2025

Beachgoers 'leave human waste in gardens' and people are 'peeing in bins'
Residents near a popular beach claimed there was "human waste" in their gardens and jet-skiers were "splashing about under the influence of alcohol" at a council meeting
Residents near a beach in Abersoch are concerned about disturbances at a popular peach
(Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live )
Residents are up in arms over disturbances at a popular beachside spot. They claim that visitors are leaving "human waste" in their gardens and recklessly jet-skiing while intoxicated.
This issue arose during a Cyngor Gwynedd central licensing sub-committee this week, after the owners Mickey's Beach Café in Abersoch looked to secure a licence for selling alcohol both on and off the premises, situated close to Machroes Beach. Although the café was successful in its bid, the application faced resistance from both locals and the Llanengan Community Council.
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At the committee, Jeremy Beddows, who owns property near Mickey's Beach Café, said: "The public toilets are a couple of 100m from the café. A lot of people in their excitement and haste are not making that 'long' journey."
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"A strip of land where there are bins is also regularly used as temporary toilets. People are also coming off the path into our garden leaving human waste, it's an area where young children visit." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
Mr Beddows told the meeting he often picked up glass where people walked barefoot to the beach, and commented on the significant rise in the use of powered watercraft like ribs, power boats, and jet-skis, reports North Wales Live.
He added: "In a melee, these people splash about in the water, sadly, the same operators of these vessels are having alcohol before going out to sea."
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He was also "concerned" about the possibility of "inebriated people" consuming alcoholic drinks whilst sitting "with their feet dangling over a 200ft wall" at the site of an old tin works, just behind Mickey's Beach Café.
Local resident Peter Baines conveyed feared alcohol could "change the feel" of the area, shifting from a vibe where people enjoy "having coffee and cake to ordering bottles of Prosecco and beer,".
"It could escalate into parties and loud music" he warned, foreseeing the potential for more disruption to a nearby public car park as a result of increased deliveries.
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The community council also described issues over beach drinking, stating "machinery such as speed boats/jet skis and alcohol do not go together".
Their "grave concern" was also voiced concerning an inadequate number of toilets, highlighting fears that alcohol sales might "increase the popularity" of Traeth Machroes beach, potentially causing greater traffic woes on an already narrow and winding access road.
A lack of toilet facilities was also noted among public observations and an increase in waste could become "more of a problem" with more drinking.
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Reports included sightings of "an increase in rats" and there were concerns surrounding litter like broken glass and discarded plastic.
The beach by the café was described as "very popular with families".
On behalf of the applicant, legal representative Lisa Gilligan argued that their aim wasn't to make the café a "drinking destination" and stressed they weren't seeking permission for loud music.
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She illustrated the "successful use" of temporary event notices that allowed them to sell alcohol as a way to "test the water" drawing attention to the fact there were "no objections" from either the police or environmental health authorities.
She confirmed the venue had a toilet, commercial waste operation and they did not propose to use glass. It was also pointed out they had not been the operator in previous years.
"We seek to work hard with the local authority in terms of the hours," she explained, noting their agreement to a 5pm shutdown.
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"We also want to work with Mr Beddows and Mr Baines," she added, including discussions over access and bins.
After deliberating, the committee granted the owners permission to sell alcohol daily during the peak season - subject to conditions. This authorisation permits service of alcohol up until 5pm (on and off premises) from Monday to Sunday.
A toilet on site was required, as well as a "Challenge 25 Policy", fully trained staff selling alcohol, no loud music or glass, customers must respect local residents, by leaving quietly and CCTV must be used.
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