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In recent months, there has been numerous reports of antisocial behaviour across Caerphilly County Borough.

Police have responded by placing affected areas under dispersal orders, as has been seen in Rhymney, Bargoed, Pontllanfraith, Newbridge and Cefn Fforest.

In March this year, railings around the Bargoed Park rugby and football pitch were damaged, while smashed glass was left strewn across the park.

A group of around 30 to 40 youths were seen in the area at the time.

Caerphilly RFC’s Virginia Park ground was also targted by vandals in May, causing £3,000 of damage.

Now, efforts are being made to tackle the problems at Morgan Jones Park in Caerphilly town after the playing surface and a memorial tree were vandalised.

But despite the issues, Morgan Jones ward councillor Jamie Pritchard said it was “important to look for meaningful action and not just point fingers at all young people”.

He said: “We’ve seen the park really busy and this is always nice. We have unfortunately also seen antisocial behaviour, damage to equipment and reports of intimidating behaviour.

“We need to work together to try to positively address such instances by investing in programmes for young people – not by demonising an entire age group for the bad behaviour of the small minority.”

Earlier this summer, Cllr Pritchard, alongside fellow ward councillor Shayne Cook, met with the council’s Youth Service and Parks Department, as well as Gwent Police, to discuss what could be done.

Positive Futures, which is funded by the Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, was also in attendance.

After the meeting, a number of ‘outreach’ sessions were arranged, such as skateboarding, football, TikTok and Olympic-themed activities. These have been running throughout the summer.

But as well as this, Gwent Police have been running extra patrols in the area, with CCTV also installed in the park.

Cllr Pritchard, who is the council’s Deputy Leader, said: “The vast majority of people who go to Morgan Jones Park are there to have fun and enjoyment and behave well.

But he said the answer to the antisocial behaviour “is not to simply point at a problem and condemn a whole generation of people, but to work together to provide solutions”.

Cllr Cook said: “We’ve worked hard to get better facilities in the park to ensure young people have positive things they can do. We want everybody to enjoy the park without the fear of antisocial behaviour.”

Inspector Gavin Clifton, of Gwent Police said: “We’ve continued with our commitment to tackle antisocial behaviour in Caerphilly throughout the summer months.

“Our patrol plans have made our officers visible and approachable as we want to develop a strong sense of community in these areas and to divert younger people’s attention away from behaviour which negatively impacts upon the quality of life for residents.”

Inspector Clifton said there was a “positive response” to the summer activities.