Former UWA student Claire from Manchester joined the debate in May 2006:

"I don't think Aber has a massive problem with drink related violence. Yes, there were a few fights and brawls in the time I spent studying there, but in comparison to other places such as Manchester, Swansea and Cardiff, I really don't think it's anything to complain about. More often than not it's outsiders that cause the problems. Students and locals in general are most friendly and I've always felt safe there!"

"Regularly in the mornings, I have to walk over an obstacle course of rubbish and vomit to leave my house & get to work. I'm sure the situation has deteriorated in recent years. There is also a substantial noise problem. Louder & louder pubs - I can often feel the vibrations from the nearest pub as I try to sleep and this continues beyond midnight at times. The drunk people shouting at each other outside the front door at 3AM is also not conducive to sleep! It's a bad situation, and I am sad to say I can't wait to move out of the town centre altogether. It's not a good place to live and work."

"I've visited Aber three times over the years and seen (and participated in) my share of serious drinking. And while there were some heated disagreements at times, no real harm was done. Perhaps the worst brawl I saw (and almost got sucked into) took place outside a kebab shop at 3-4am, and it wasn't started by students but local boys about 5-10 years older. Like all college/tourist towns, Aber has a small fraction of locals (generally young men) who resent the relatively well-to-do students/visitors for interloping on their territory. It's no different from what I've seen in such U.S. college towns as Boston, Berkeley and Austin. The problem is Aber simply exists on a smaller scale. I'll add that the students are to share some blame for such conflicts, in that, stereotypically, they generally lack any real respect for their temporary hometown and its people. It's like one long Neverland adventure (though with homework) that will come to an end after a year or three. For the locals, it's a wave-after-wave invasion of drinking-age kids who never grow up. Difficult dilemma, as the University is Aber's lifeblood. I have to add that Aber is one of my favorite towns on the planet... and I hope to return."

"I have lived in Aberystwyth for four years, and I have never once felt unsafe. In recent months there has been big changes with door stewards being more active and all of the pubs linked up. All of this helps to make potential situations less of a problem. The general vibe in Aberystwyth is very friendly and chilled. I miss it so much when I am away in Swansea. There is so much of a difference between night time in Aber than in bigger cities, I think the main problems come from people on nights out from different places, they don't seem to have as much respect for aber. There are a lot of pubs in Aber but there is plenty to see and do around the town, if you are prepared to go out doors and see what the country side has to offer! Aberystwyth is such a beautiful place!"

Adam from York emailed in March 2006:

"I have been a student here since September and I have to say that if there is a drinking problem in Aber, it is down to there being nothing to do. I do not enjoy sport, but I am a musician. It seems that all the student societies are sports driven and as such are of no interest. Also, these societies have 'socials' which simply involve going out and getting drunk. Not exactly a great night out for those, like myself who don't drink. Without things to occupy your time with people are obviously going to drink a lot. There are many pubs but there isn't a prominent music scene, so I find that there is nothing of interest for me to do, as going out and watching other people drink themselves into oblivion isn't exactly a lot of fun, but for those drinking it is the only source of fun they have."

Chris from Aberystwyth thinks things are quieter outside of term time:

"I have been a resident in town since 1998 and unfortunately things have deteriorated in relation to anti-social behaviour. In terms of responsibility I am afraid that things definitely do get quieter outside of term time - the worst period is semester one when new students arrive and spend months partying. As an employee of the University I think this is a particularly sad state of affairs and reflects badly on the institution. Although I agree that this is nowhere near the levels of other towns and cities in the UK, the intensification over the last 8 years I have lived in town has been alarming. It is a pity because, despite the best efforts of the County Council to turn Aber into another 'anywhere town', it still does have something special to offer everyone."

Stacey from Aberystwyth says things are different these days:

"I have lived in Aber all my life and I can honestly say that the people have changed a lot over the years. I used to be able to go out and feel safe in our little town but now I'm cautious going anywhere on my own at night. i used to stay at my boyfriend's house in Queen Street and every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night was hell - people walking down the street yelling and screaming and fighting because they were drunk. We've woken up to find our drainpipe hanging off the wall and sick all over the step... I think it is ridiculous to lengthen the drinking hours because the problems aren't going - they're just happening more often and at different times."

JP from Birmingham says nothing much has changed in Aber:

"I think people need to understand the context of this "binge drinking" or "increased drunken violence". Generally what young people tolerate now as part of an ordinary night out is far different to what another older generation would. I left Aber uni in 2001, in my time I saw a few fights, no more than during an average football match. I never felt intimidated for being English, and I still love going back to Aber. The kids get younger, we get wiser and maybe don't tolerate the drunkeness so much as then, but there's no massive difference between now and 5 years ago, in my view."

Vasco from Aberystwyth says there's hardly anything to do in the town but go to the pub:

"I have been here for 8 years now, and strangely the worse the violence gets, the harder it is to get a job, the higher the housing prices are. This is a weird town. There have been murders, over jealous student affairs, fights between homeless people, domestic violence murders. I've seen the results of drunks who beat those they love most. I don't blame the young people. There is hardly anything to do in this town except go to the pub, and the Universities the pub landlords own most of the land. Even the bowling alley has closed down. I do however like the town much better when the students are gone.

I was a student here, and our class wasn't as disrespectful as these new idiots who shout obscenities in the middle of the night and break windows. Racism is on the rise in this town as well, and that's sad. When I first came here this was one of the most tolerant towns I'd ever seen. I do hope the council stops giving out planning permission and pub permission willy nilly, and wakes up to fact that there are some things more important than money. One councillor told me that at night when he lived in town he "prayed for rain" to get the drunks moving quicker. Why didn't he just stop the planning permission? Or punish the pubs that serve problem customers?"

Chris from Aberystwyth says students shouldn't be blamed:

"I don't see why people, especially locals have such a problem with the drink culture in Aber. Aber is a student town and when we're not there its pretty dead and almost sad and lonely. Many locals I know will agree with that. The majority of students and local people get on well. The only problem is the minority of 'boy racers' who've got a chip on their shoulder and hate students, and of course ASBO-type kids comin to Aber for a boozy weekend. They're the ones who cause the problems, but anyone young in Aber is automatically classed as a student. I think people need to start looking a bit closer cos these young trouble makers are actually local. And people who choose to live in the town centre can't complain, Aber has always been lively so what do they expect - bcoz they're there everyones gotta tip toe around? Did ya really expect livin in the centre of towns going to be peaceful? My advice, wake up n smell the concrete, then move outta town."

Thomas Ayre from Aberystwyth thinks Aber is a safe place:

"I've been here as a student for 4 years and I know a few things. The town's economy is based on two things outside summer - students and booze . Despite the booze Aberystwyth is the most safe place I've ever been in my life. I walk home frequently at silly hours in the morning without any trouble. Yes people stagger around drunk but that's their choice - we shouldn't be stopped enjoying ourselves. I go out a lot but I think I've only seen 3 fights downtown - nothing serious though. A random stabbing or shooting isn't a crimewave - that's just plain stupid. Locals are really friendly as well. What trouble has been has always existed - we shouldn't reminisce about a false safe past."

Andrew from Aberystwyth says Aber doesn't have a problem:

"I have lived in Aber all my life until I moved to university in Swansea. I have just read the comments on the website and I think it's shocking how many people are complaining about Aber. Come to Swansea for a Saturday night, then you will see trouble! The problem on the weekend is that you have all the people from out of town come in, who look for trouble - it's not as if murders, and hard crimes happen!"

Johnny from Aberystwyth is concerned by the abuse of alcohol:

"I'm an international student and I've lived in 4 different countries. I'm quite involoved in the drinking culture around and I enjoy a drink once in a while. But I have to say that I did not have the best first impression. By around 11 I saw people staggering around, not to get home, but to get to the next pub. Vomit everywhere is not uncommon. Alcohol scares me the way people here abuse it rather than enjoy it."

Andrew from Redhill in Surrey draws on his experience as a student in the town:

"I became a student in Aber in 1999, having spent many nights out there, I can say its as safe a University town as there is. In proportion to its size Aber does suffer from a lot of alcohol-related violence. Unfortunately it seems that there is a marked increase in fighting etc over the summer (when most students have left), this violence is primarily down to the "boy-racer" element, who have a heavy presence in the town centre. I've seen bus loads of people from Birmingham, Liverpool etc arriving on summer weekends to do nothing but drink heavily and then fight with anybody they can. Depends where you go to be honest, though even Wetherspoon's can have a genuinly hostile atmosphere on Saturday night!"

Marc from Aberystwyth thinks people should remember that Aber is a residential area:

"As an ex-student who has lived here for 11 years I know how boisterous, noisy and just plain inconsiderate drunken people (normally students) can be without even realising it, as I've been there myself! Where I live its the singing/shouting and occasionally property damaging people meandering the streets at 12am+ on their way home or to another pub that cause most disturbance for residents. I think it worth remembering that much of Aber is supposed to be residential (ie. families, retired people and those with 9-5 jobs), not a playground for overgrown children. The trend towards extending the licencing hours for all pubs to allow even later drinking will not miraculously cure people of drunken behaviour."

Tim from Aberystwyth welcomes the ban on drinking in the streets which was introduced in May 2005:

"Having grown up in Aber, I do feel that a drinks ban on the streets of the town is a good idea. I do, however, hope that pressure is put on irresponsible licencees to get their house in order as well. The top of town and the seafront have long been areas of alcohol-related confrontation and violence which I can only put down to the desire of the pub/nightclub landlords desire to make easy money on the back of drinks promotions."

Jayne from Aberystwyth says she doesn't think drink is the main problem:

"I have been a student here for the past three years and it's a lovely place. I feel really safe here. When it comes to students, the majority are fun and friendly. In fact, the only trouble I have seen is when coaches of people from out of town are brought in for nights out and then they're generally just a bit rowdy. A lot of people in Aberystwyth drink and get drunk but I feel the biggest problem is with heavy drug users, however, this seems to be ignored."

Caroline from Birmingham is studying in Aberystwyth:

"I've only lived in Aber since September, but already I'm amazed at the violence that has occurred. I come from Birmingham and have never witnessed such violence (of course it depends where you live in Birmingham, but still). Having been here 2 weeks, somebody was stabbed at the bottom of my road, last week my road was cordoned off by police because of gun shots, and I've been woken up countless times by people arguing and fighting walking home from pubs and clubs. I think there just isn't enough to do, perhaps for people who are from small towns or villages this seems great, but anyone from a big city can get frustrated pretty easily. ...If there was more to do people wouldn't feel the need to drink so much - you put a university in a lovely location and fill it with pubs, there is going to be trouble!"

Stuart from Aberystwyth says he and his friends now avoid the town centre at the weekend:

"I have been a student here for four years and there is no doubt that Aber is a very safe place. However the town has definitely had its increase in violence - the fact that as a group of friends we never head into town anymore on Saturday nights because it is nearly guarenteed that we will be "started on" is a strong point. I also believe the initimidation is definitely increasing as well - general full evil staring and chants from groups of youths etc. I would also like to agree with Derrick that being a student and English is definitely not a good combination for the weekends. I always wonder where does this hatred come from and why is it not being tackled??

Sarah from Aberystwyth thinks the lack of entertainment in Aberystwyth is the problem:

"It's all about boredom, there are so many young people living in aberystwyth be it school kids or students, there needs to be some more forms of entertainment such as a proper bowling alley or ice skating and then these people woudn't drink so much to have fun!"

Derrick from Lampeter often travels to Aber for a night out:

"I've been a student in nearby Lampeter for nearly three years and with regular nights out in Aber, I would say drink-related trouble is on the increase. I am firm believer that it's not really the students who are to blame. Actually beng a student makes you a target for a start and coupled with being English, makes it twice as bad. I do agree with the earlier point about different closing times for different venues - this would essentially create a gradual flow of people leaving the area not hundreds all at once trying to get in to the kebab shop. Waiting around in the street is probably the sole cause of fights."

Andrew from Aber had this to say:

"I must say I'm disgusted at the amount of alcohol consumed in this town, and particular by hard core elements who drink one night a week purely to get drunk. I saw one such group last week doing such a thing openly brawling on the beach - now what sort of behaviour is that for grown men I ask you!"

Carys from Aberystwyth says drinkers should show some respect:

"I have lived in Aber all my life and the town has always had fights at the top of town. Three clubs in the same area closing at the same time is asking for trouble. And it's everybody who is causing it. Not just violence but damage to cars and property as well. Have fun, go out and drink, but respect other people's property as well."

Emma from Aberystwyth doesn't think Aber's violent in comparison to other places:

"I wouldn't say Aber is at all violent. I'm a student, and where I originally come from there are fights everywhere, every night! I have been in Aber for 2 years, and have only ever seen one bar fight, which was cleared up quickly by the bouncers, and the police took over. I agree with the boy racers being a problem. They drive round late at night, with no consideration for pedestrians, and regularly hurl abuse at anyone they drive past. It is pretty humourous though, as Aber's roads aren't the best, and it's hard to go over 20mph in the town!"

David Clues from Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea recalls the days when Aberystwyth's pubs would all be closed on a Sunday:

"I've not heard the "more pubs per capita than other places" BUT my mum used to say that Aber being a religious place (in the 50s & 60s) had one more church than drinking places which I presume would be pubs and not the social clubs which you could enter on a Sunday for a day "membership" fee of two bob or something in the days of dry Sundays."

Gibson ex Aber thinks Aber is getting worse:

"Aberystwyth is getting worse and the main cause is Alcohol. Pure and simple. Throwing blame around as to whether it's Students, Locals or Visitors will not help resolve the issue. What the residents and Police in Aber have to decide is do they want to put up with this rubbish any longer? If they don't then they need to look to the council and ask them to please stop handing out late licences like they were sweets and to stop granting new licences for new pubs. All those franchised pubs do is take money out of the town. Aber has enough bars and clubs."

Emma from Tregaron says extending opening hours would cut down on late-night rowdiness:

"There isn't much to offer students in Aberystwyth apart from the nightlife. Aberystwyth is one of the best places in Mid Wales, with the best nightlife. I do agree that drink and violence do go together and it's a problem - but it's not a major problem in Aber. The pubs and club are good for the economy in Wales, restricting them is going to make Wales a worse place to live in. However, I think that the problem is closing time. By the time it is 2am, most of the people in the nightclubs are in the full swing of drinking. This is then distrupted by closing time and people are then thrown on the streets. With nothing, so they use up all there energy in being rowdy. So 24hr open clubs would be great because the security there would help keep the punters in order after 2am."

Aman Basanti from Toronto in Canada has this to say:

"Well, I spent a week in Aber... And I must say I felt safe everywhere I went, drinking or sober. It's a great little town with a lot to do believe it or not. Pier Pressure was fun, and a few other pubs were great... Nothing like having a 1 pound carlsberg looking out at the atlantic. Shout out to James, Patrick and all the other Aber boys."

Dan from New York grew up in Aber:

"Having grown up in Aber, Saturday Night fighting really was part of the week (and waiting for a fight outside Porkys really was quite fun), but I don't think it's any worse in Aber than in any other part of the country."

Darron Smith from Aberystwyth has this to add:

"The students aren't the problem in Aber, although loud when they drink they only become pranksters and are harmless. It is the 'boy racer' types that cause the problem, becoming very violent. The problem is getting worse but the police are trying to help. They drive around the streets all night and have a strong presence, but violence is still getting worse and I see little anyone can do. Avoiding certain bars is the best way to avoid the violence."

Mark from Aberystwyth says:

"I've lived in Aber for about four years now and the violence has always been minimal. In the evenings at the weekends you get loud people but that's really about it."

Jo from Warwick used to live in Aber:

"The violence in the town is getting worse, not only violence but vandalism to, windows broken every night, bottles smashed over cars etc. My major issue is all the young kids going around late at night trying to start fight with anybody, kids as young as 12 trying to get into pubs!!!! i hate to say it but it's the locals not students and visitors that cause all the trouble, the amount of times i've been out with friends to the pier its guaranteed that there's at least 2-3 fights in there! i'm coming back to visit soon and i will be suprised if its less violent! Main problem DRUGS!! Aber is full of drug takers who don't care what they're doing!"

Laura Beaumont from Bedworth studied in Aberystwyth from 2000 - 2003:

"I have to start by saying that I have not been on a return visit to Aber since graduating last summer; so I can't confidently state the situation as it is now. What I do know is that in three years spent studying in Aber, I only once witnessed a drunken fight in town.

I have always felt very safe in Aber. Even coming from a smaller city, the scale of violence, drunkeness and intimidation is so much less in Aber than anywhere else I have spent time."

One Mid Walian, who didn't leave a name, says the police should concentrate on tackling more serious crime:

"I think the police around Aber need to go to a city for a month or so and see what the real drink and rowdy problems are, I go out to Aber at least once a month and my friends and I are always impressed with the night life and only once have we seen a scuffle and it was over within seconds!! I've seen more trouble in small towns and village pubs than I have in Aber. I've got no faith in the police force around Mid Wales and Aberystwyth at all!! I think they need to pull their socks up and try sorting out hard drug related crimes and dealers."

Paul from the West Midlands doesn't think violence is a problem in Aber:

"I have lived in the West Midlands all my life before coming to university in Aber, and the problems of violence here are so small compared to back home, or any of the other places I have been on nights out around both Wales and England as to be almost non-existent. I have seen only a few incidents in Aber in the two years ive been here, and there is a huge police presence in the town - it has never even crossed the mind of me or anyone I have talked to here to feel unsafe about going into the town centre, on any night.

I think aber is a very relaxed and pleasant place to live, and I believe that to curb drinking hours would be a huge step backwards for the town, not only persuading students and tourists to look elsewhere, but also damaging the image of Aberystwyth as a vibrant and forward-looking town. There has been an increase in violence, and the causes of this such as coach-trips from out of town and lack of alternative activities should be looked at, but let's not let the actions of a very small minority spoil it for the overwhelming majority who have a great social life in Aberystwyth."

George Shaw from Stockport has emailed us to say :

"Aberystwyth's drinking problem isn't due to its native residents or students, but due to people coming in from neighbouring areas. Although students do drink, they are rarely responsible for incidents of violence. This can be seen clearly from the increase in alcohol-related violence over summer, when few students are in Aberystwyth.

While I lived in Aber, I quite regularly saw coaches pulling up outside pubs, where people got off with only their wallet for luggage...I wish the local authorities would do something to discourage coach companies from running these drinking trips. Why Aberystwyth is so attractive to drinkers should also be addressed."

Paul from Manchester says:

"The problem is boredom. There's not much to do, so people find escapism in booze and chemicals."

Mark is adamant that violence is not a problem in Aber:

"i've been at aberystwyth for a year and a half and have seen one major fight and a couple of scuffles inside bars. To me, this proves what a friendly place aberyswyth is especially when compared to places where universities are. There will always be incidences so security in the light of the break-ins etc should not be ignored but overall aberystwyth is a VERY safe place."

Sarah draws this comparison:

"I am a student in aber my home town being carmarthen in comparison aber is much safer the drinking tends to have a good atmosphere attached to it."

Malcolm Owen from Manchester says it's not just about alcohol:

"Those who conduct themselves violently know what triggers their violent behaviour.Often it's a stimulant these days commonly drug based and mixed with alcohol. Most (young) people are aware that crack cocaine and its derivatives are easily and commonly available 'Nail' the dealers and the problem lessens, this should be easier in a place like Aber then most places. It's all 'our' problem not just the vulnerable people who 'give in' to pushers.Violence affects every one in a community, it lessens the quality of life, alcohol is more 'visible', crack pushers don't pay v.a.t. so the problem is difficult to quantify."

Paul from Borth suggests a change in opening hours:

"I lived opposite the Pier for five years and anyone who thinks alcohol is not a major factor is kidding themselves. If the old system of closing at 11pm was reapplied, fights and rowdiness would be minimal. If you don't think I'm right, have a wander round Aber on Good Friday or New Year's Day, when the late night clubs are shut. The difference is astounding..."

Mark from Kidderminster says the root cause of the problem needs tackling:

"I lived in Aber for 8 years and yes, I witnessed a very large number of drunken fights. What's not being addressed is why the binge drinking happens.

There's really very little to do in the evenings & weekends that doesn't involve drinking; there's one cinema, and a hard to get to bowling alley. Pretty much all the other activities happen in the pubs. Solve this problem and you'd almost certainly see an improvement."

Rolant Ellis from Abersytwyth has emailed us to say :

"The link between violence and alcohol is so strong it amazes me that it's ever in dispute."

Jim is a student in Aberystwyth:

"Last night someone broke into the hall were I lived and stabbed someone. The tramps are everywhere. Political correctness aside why can't they be moved on? They don't do anything for the town - if they are mentally ill commit them, if they are just bums arrest them."

Gareth from Manchester calls for a little perspective.

"I was in Aberystwyth for 3 years and never saw a fight there. I still go back and it's troubles (whilst bigger) need to be put in proportion. A lovely place."

Dave B from Aber says:

"Yeh aber has one of the lowest crime rates, and trouble never gets that out of hand. There are a few fights etc but it's far less than most other towns of a similar size."

Mr J Jackson from Willenhall emailed us to say that he hasn't seen any trouble in the town :

"My wife and i had a caravan in clarach bay - we spent almost every day in aber because to us it is everything a seaside resort should be. It was like a trip into the past and yet the facilities were bang up to date. We never once saw any trouble and any students we met were always well mannered. My only complaint is a quite recent one, what's happened to my favourite railway station?"

Michael Jones from Penparcau, Aberystwyth feels that the minority are spoiling things for the majority.

"Aber in the evenings, and especially at weekends, is a no-go area for the general population. So far as the saying goes, the minority are spoiling it for the majority; - the minority go bingeing at these times and spoil it for the majority. The opening times are being relaxed slowly but surely, I read in our local paper that the police are in favour of staggering the closing times as the people leaving the clubs/pubs will not congregate on the streets, if there is another club open at a later time what's stopping these people going there to continue drinking? The clean-up after the weekends, smashed windows, damaged cars, litter everywhere, vomit in shop doorways must cost us a fortune as a society."

Donna from Llandrindod Wells emailed to say she doesn't think drinking's the main problem:

"i dont live in aber but i have got a few friends that live there and who as such are doing the same course as me in college..i dont think that alchol is the issue of all the fighting.. i would personally say that it would be down to drugs as our town gets a lot of fighting and i know that it is mainly caused by drugs."

Adam Henderson from Cardiff was a student at Aberystwyth and says he didn't see any evidence of violence on the streets.

"is aber violence on the increase? i never experienced it, or saw much of it. even with the introduction of later licencing. a drinking cultural has always existed, it was mainly exclusive to student life. strange that the new increase occurs during the summer, when students are at home. who's responsible for the rise?"

Helen from Bracknell says:

I became a student in aber in 2003 and despite spending many nights drinking and partying in the town I have seen no evidence of this increased violence. I come from South-East England and have literally never visited anywhere I feel safer than Aber. The only isolated incident I can think of was a stabbing in my halls - but this was not drink related. The only problems that do appear to be growing is the number of homeless sent to Aber, adding to poverty and its related problems including crime. I am not saying that homeless persons are necessarily drunks, but it does feel that students would be penalised if licenses are curbed when the crime figures suggest the crimes increase in the summer as the students leave.