Rentals by the beach in Fairfield are again filled with college students ? and that has some residents complaining that party garbage is collecting on Penfield Beach.

For decades, students and families have shared Reef Road and the beach. In recent years, the town has clamped down by canceling the annual Clam Jam. A zero-tolerance letter was also sent to the area, putting students on notice.

Captain Gary MacNamara of Fairfield police said things have improved as a result. ?That party atmosphere is significantly curtailed,? said MacNamara. Some said the new zero-tolerance policy, in conjunction with university supervision and DUI checkpoints, has improved matters significantly. Others point to the beer bottles, bottle caps, cigarette butts and other garbage left on the beach as evidence to the contrary.

"It?s an embarrassment that one of the major selling points of this great town happens to be one of the dirtiest!? said Fairfield resident Millie Pollack.

Related Information:To help clean up the beaches Info line - (203) 259-0747Fairfield Beach Residents AssociationMailing address: PO Box 513Fairfield, CT 06824