From BBC Drama to Party Central: How Our Quaint Seaside Town Became 'Britain's Ibiza' Amidst Chaos

A HISTORIC town has become “Britain’s Ibiza” as it fends off an influx of drunken youths that have forced police to use dispersal powers.

Locals in the small community have shared their fears over the area turning into a .

One resident says he has been left no choice but to ‘lay down the law’ Credit: SWNS Police are using special dispersal powers to deal with the teenage drinkers Credit: SWNS

, once known as the setting for Drama , now has a reputation for being a congregation point for teenage drinking.

Members of the public have since shared that the once peaceful place is now a -fuelled nightmare that leaves elderly residents scared to go out at night.

Some residents say they have been verbally abused by the underage drinkers “dropped off by their parents” in the historic harbour town.

Witnesses also reported objects being thrown into the harbour near to boats by youths who showed little respect for the idyllic area frequently used as a filming location for period dramas.

Police say they saw such an increase in antisocial behaviour they had to deploy dispersal powers to move troublemakers along.

The village is home to just under 500 households but has one of the highest concentrations of bars and restaurants in the area.

Harbour master Mathew Chapmen, 45, said: “There is an issue – and I don’t think it’s just Charlestown, I think it’s nationwide – of kids being disrespectful of adults in general. They know where to go and what to get away with.

“I don’t like the littering, the swearing or the disrespect. In groups, they egg each other on and can really wind the situation up.

“Daily, I have to confront them and lay down the law. They never listen, but for our part, we need to keep them in line.

“We have a lot of businesses flourishing around here and they don’t want it happening around them – it affects business.

“If you tell them not to do something, they gob off and do it anyway – the disrespect is shocking sometimes.”

Mathew Chapmen says the issue goes far wider than just Charlestown Credit: SWNS Inspector Simon Andrews says there was an increase in antisocial behaviour reports during a recent regatta Credit: SWNS

Mr. Chapmen went on to confirm both “police and private security firms” were called in to help.

He added: “There needs to be tougher rules regarding teenagers. At the moment, it is just a slap on the wrist and sent home.

“The harbour is here for everyone to enjoy, not just them. They have this propriety sense of entitlement to it and think they can do what they want, when they want with no repercussions.

“We’ve had rocks and traffic cones thrown down. I don’t see what they get out of it, but I’ve never seen what they get out of vandalism.”

Fellow witness to the , Matthew Longhurst, added: “It was carnage in Charlestown when we visited. Quite a few horrible chavs around the harbour swearing.

“I told one off for throwing an empty drinks can towards the harbour. Young girls mouthing off.

“The Pier House had a major problem. Girls throwing up in there, an ambulance outside treating someone.”

One unnamed local said: “I cannot understand how it has become normal for parents to happily provide their children with strong alcohol and then drop them off in public areas leaving them to do whatever they want.

“Collecting them after they have caused all this trouble and upset. I’m sure there are cameras around – how about the parents compensate the businesses, and maybe that will make them slightly more interested in what they get up to.”

Inspector Simon Andrews, of Devon and Cornwall , said problems with anti-social behaviour had been reported during the recent week long regatta.

Some have called for ‘patrols’ to be conducted in the area Credit: SWNS Tracey Brown says the area is usually ‘tranquil’ but the recent antisocial behaviour is challenging that appearance Credit: SWNS

He added: “One of the reports was a group of youths entering one of the licensed premises, disrupting the business and causing harass, alarm and distress to the local public.

“I would suggest the good weather has helped towards an increase in anti-social behaviour. We’re seeing longer days with nice sunshine, people enjoying themselves, and probably more consumption of alcohol has led to an increase.”

Some residents have taken a lighter approach to those in the area, with Charlestown Water Sports owner Bruce Keeping, 66, suggesting that the “majority” want to “enjoy themselves, but you’ve got a few troublemakers.”

He continued: “When I’m here, I can look after all the belongings here, but in the evenings, I’ve had a lot of stuff thrown in the harbour. I know it’s not the majority – it’s a minority of youngsters.

“Those are the ones we’ve got to get hold of and clamp down on. I think you have to face them – yes, they mouth off at you, but they cannot be allowed to get away with it.”

Patrick Hunt, owner of The Deck, said the regatta had been a lovely event until the evening.

He added: “The kids started forming in groups and causing issues. They were shouting at people and threw a few cones into the harbour.

“There’s no excuse for antisocial behaviour.”

Tracey Brown owner of Charlestown Fish Co, said: “I heard there was some trouble where police had to attend and some of the guests had to be refunded.

“Also down on the watersports bit, Bruce has had a lot of rubbish left there, and some of his stuff was taken and left at the end of the harbour.

“There was a traffic cone thrown from the top of this wall into the inner harbour by some children.

“Generally, this is the most wonderful, tranquil place to be. Normally, the kids are harbour jumping and enjoying themselves. It’s a nice place to be and we love being here.

“Hopefully with the police coming down and doing their patrols it’ll keep that at bay and nip it in the bud.”

A regatta event in the town led to a spike in anti-social behaviour Credit: SWNS The area is often used as an idyllic backdrop for period dramas Credit: SWNS

Another unnamed local said that they were “not yet Cornwall’s Ibiza,” but were skirting close to such a label.

St Austell Police said in a statement: “Parents are urged to make sure their children do not cause a nuisance and/or have a negative impact for residents or those attending the area for pleasure.

“Our main priority is to keep everyone safe and maintain order.

“The dispersal powers mean anyone causing or likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, will be asked to leave the area by officers. Anyone who does not comply with the order, risk be arrested or returned home.”

James Mustoe, Cornwall councillor for the area, welcomed the new police powers and added: “This behaviour is unacceptable and I’m glad our police have acted quickly to clamp down on it.”

Cornwall Council, St Austell Bay Parish Council, and Cornwall and Devonshire Police has also been contacted for comment.