14 February 2008
A Caerphilly park that has been blighted by problems that include littering and youths drinking alcohol has seen vast improvements as a result of partnership working between Caerphilly County Borough Council and Gwent Police.
The problems in Dafydd Williams Park, near Caerphilly town centre were initially highlighted as a priority issue at a PACT (Partnerships and Communities Together) meeting for the St Martins ward last year, and since then significant steps have been taken to eliminate these problems, and make the area a generally more pleasant place to visit.
In addition to an increase in patrols in the area by Gwent Police officers and Community Safety Wardens, Caerphilly County Borough Council has also played a leading role in conducting the improvements.
As well as a general overhaul of the area, a number of larger projects have been undertaken, including the installation of lighting columns which also incorporate hanging baskets, the installation of information boards, the resurfacing of footways, the replacing of timber railings with steel, ornate guardrails and the planting of additional trees. The installation of concrete bases under picnic benches in the park is also planned.
Various Caerphilly County Borough Council departments including Street Lighting, Urban Renewal and Park Services have carried out this work.
Caerphilly County Borough Councils cabinet member for the environment, Cllr David Poole said, "These significant improvements will undoubtedly have a positive effect on not only the area itself which is now much more visually attractive, but also the parks' many visitors who have the right to enjoy a safe environment."
Safer Caerphilly County Borough Community Safety Partnership's chairman, Chief Superintendant Alun Thomas said, "I would urge members of the public to attend their local PACT meetings – the improvements made at Dafydd Williams Park clearly illustrates that local residents views are being listened to, and by attending your local PACT meeting we are able to get a true picture of the issues faced by the community, who help prioritise the issues that require action."
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