Police have launched their annual Safer Shores campaign as they prepare for an influx of visitors to the Ayrshire coast.

The purpose of Safer Shores is to safeguard members of the public and others that visit the Ayrshire coast during ‘beach season’, ensuring people can travel safely, are safe from crime and disorder and have a pleasant visitor experience.

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.

Ayrshire Safer Shores is a partnership initiative involving Abellio ScotRail, British Red Cross, British Transport Police, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, North and South Ayrshire Councils, Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, and Scottish Fire and Rescue.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, Cabinet Member for Place at North Ayrshire Council, said: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy our marvellous beaches and coastline without having their enjoyment spoiled by a small number of people. The Ayrshire coastline is a real jewel in the crown for us and we want all visitors and residents to be able to enjoy it in safety.”

Colin Martin, Operations Superintendent for Police Scotland’s Ayrshire Division, said: “Ayrshire’s beaches are popular tourist destinations for visitors and local residents over the summer months and we want to ensure that these areas can be enjoyed by everyone.

“In particular, we will be targeting alcohol abuse on beaches and transpor t networks, which will not be tolerated. As well as enforcement and confiscation, we are again working closely with partners in the licensing trade to ensure that legislation and practice in relation to off-sales is rigorously applied. “We want to ensure that everyone has a safe and most importantly enjoyable visit to our Ayrshire beaches.” You can keep up-to-date with the Ayrshire Safer Shores campaign by following the hashtag #AyrshireSaferShores on social media.