CALLS for action have been made to crack down on alcohol related anti-social behaviour in a park.

Community councillors have highlighted what they say are reports of gangs of youths drinking at Murchfield in Dinas Powys and are calling on the Vale council to make the area an alcohol controlled zone to restrict drinking in the park.

Plaid councillors say the problems of people drinking alcohol at Murchfield are continuing and that volunteers at the local community centre have told them they are "fed up" with the problems some people are causing.

They say the area has been the site of drinking and anti-social behaviour for some time and this can cause problems to users of the park as when a potential issue arises, the groups can't be moved on because it is not an alcohol controlled zone.

But a Vale council spokesman said that concerns about the area did not meet the strict criteria necessary for a public space protection order under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The act demands an "evidence base and robust public response demonstrating that alcohol-related antisocial behaviour is causing a problem to those who visit, work or live in the area".

The issue was raised last month by Plaid Cymru councillors at a meeting discussing alcohol control zones across the Vale.

There are currently more than 30 locations which are alcohol control zones in the Vale.

Plaid’s community councillor Richard Grigg said: "It is very unclear why the Murchfield was deliberately omitted.

"The Vale really did not have any sensible comment to make. I fear there is a growing trend of looking after other communities but not fully protecting Dinas Powys.

"The only area in Dinas Powys on the list is Parc Bryn y Don.

"Hard working volunteers at the Murchfield Community Centre are fed up with the problems that some but not all of the youths are causing.

"It’s great that all ages use the Murch field but it is important that the land is given the same protection as other parts of the Vale."

A Vale council spokesman said: "Over a six week period this summer, the council undertook a far-reaching consultation process relating to the issuing of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to control the consumption of alcohol in public spaces.

"This involved canvassing the opinions of the public, councillors, town and community councils, South Wales Police, the police and crime commissioner, Public Health Wales and Vale of Glamorgan Council staff.

"In the case of Murchfield, the police did not indicate that the area required controlling in this manner, while only three responses were received from other sources during the consultation period.

"This being the case, it was felt the level of evidence did not meet the necessary legal test.

"The council will continue to monitor the situation and is seeking legal approval to look at further areas that may be suitable for PSPOs because of antisocial behaviour.

"Any resident affected by antisocial behaviour is advised to report instances to the police by calling 101.”

South Wales Police were asked for comment.