14 February 2008
Anti-social behaviour in Bargoed Park is currently being targeted as one of the top priorities identified through the PACT (Partnership and Communities Together) process.
Local police officers in Bargoed are stepping up their patrols of the park to disperse groups of young people who may be causing anti-social behaviour.
They are confiscating alcohol from underage drinkers, and where appropriate, young people are being given ASBO referrals and letters are sent to their parents.
On New Year's Eve, groups of young people were dispersed from the park. Officers confiscated a large quantity of alcohol, including cider, wine and alcopops. Two youths were also given ASBO referrals.
Caerphilly Council is currently erecting two-metre high fencing with lockable gates around the park to help deter youths from congregating.
Posters have been put up in the area to alert locals that is a PACT priority patrol area and that partners are working to resolve issues with anti-social behaviour.
PC Steven Dyer, Neighbourhood Ward Officer for Bargoed, said: "We are working with our partners, such as Caerphilly Council, to help alleviate the problems that are experienced by local residents. As we saw on New Year's Eve, it is an area where young people tend to gather. Local officers regularly patrol the park to help disperse groups, confiscate alcohol, and where appropriate inform parents of their children's behaviour and take further action, such as issuing ASBO referrals. We will continue the effort to implement solutions as part of the PACT process to tackle the anti-social behaviour that is experienced in this area."
Cllr David Poole, Caerphilly County Borough Councils cabinet member for the environment agrees adding, "The Park in recent times has indeed become an area where youths tend to congregate, often resulting in elements of anti-social behaviour. Residents living in the local area deserve to feel safe going about their lives day to day without feeling intimidated by the threat of such behaviour. Safer Caerphilly County Borough Community Safety Partnership in conjunction with Gwent Police will continue to strive to act in the best interests of residents in the county borough."
The Safer Caerphilly PACT initiative is underway across all areas of Caerphilly, with support from the local Gwent Police Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Caerphilly County Borough Council.
The current priorities for the Bargoed Ward were chosen by the community at a meeting in December. The next PACT meeting for the Bargoed Ward will be held in March, with further details yet to be confirmed. For more information about the priorities in your area, please visit the Gwent Police website: www.gwent.police.uk
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