Residents fear “green space” will be a “haven” for anti-social behaviour

A development in Bargoed has become a cause of concern for some residents. 

The area, next to Jax Bar on Cardiff Road is set to be developed into a “green space”, according to the council. 

Work to add three benches, small trees and a path to provide access to the site has already started.

A spokesperson for the council said the site, which overlooks Morrisons, is “for the public to take advantage of the green space and its view and to create an improved visual aspect when entering the town centre.”

Some locals fear the site will cause more of a problem than an improvement. 

Residents’ meeting 

In a residents’ meeting on October 26 at Jax Bar, around 15 people gathered to question the plans and raise their concerns. 

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s town centre manager, Jo Hillier-Raikes, attended along with Bargoed town councillors, Dawn Ingram-Jones and Tich Williams.

Jack Hinder, owner of Jax Bar, said: “I disagree with what’s going on.”

He continued: “Everyone who is here is against it as well.”

Cllrs Ingram-Jones and Tich Williams, however, said they agreed with the plans.  

Cllr Ingram-Jones said: “We are trying to make the town a nicer place to live. It’ll be a nice place for Bargoed.” 

Ms Hillier-Raikes had a similar viewpoint and said: “We’re trying to make Bargoed a nicer place.” 

She continued: “We’re trying to create places that are pleasant for all town centre users.”

However, Mr Hinder is worried the new development could affect his business.

He said: “People come here because it’s safe,” adding that customers had told him the site may prompt them to “go somewhere else”.

A “haven” for antisocial behaviour

Residents fear that improving the area will attract antisocial behaviour. 

Ms Hillier-Raikes, however, said the development was part of a wider plan to push antisocial behaviour “to the fringes”.

One resident, who was at the meeting on October 26, said: “Pushing kids to the periphery…What happens then?”

A spokesperson for Bargoed Residents’ Association (BagRag), said it was a “secluded area” and adding benches would make it “a haven for evening drug taking.” 

The proximity of the site to Morrisons was also seen as an issue. 

Morrisons has experienced antisocial behaviour in its underground car park, as discussed in the October 18 Bargoed Town Council meeting. 

In that meeting, Cllr Williams said the problem “isn’t going away.” 

He continued: “It’s going round and round and we’re not getting anywhere.”

Caerphilly Observer understands that since November 17 there has been CCTV operating onsite, with hopes this will curb the issues. 

However, at the residents’ meeting on October 26, it was felt that putting benches there would provide a “grandstand view” of the antisocial behaviour in the supermarket’s car park, such as “idiots” going “up and down in their cars”.

It was suggested this would then make people, particularly children, who use those benches susceptible to following that behaviour in the future. 

A spokesperson for the council said: “We recognise that there may be some concerns, however, there are also many people who welcome the enhancements to Bargoed town centre. 

“Recent requests for improvement include the need for more green spaces and more benches.  It is important that we improve our town centre and give local people ownership and a sense of pride in the area.  

“These enhancements will improve public perception and will attract more people into the town for the sustainability of the businesses.  The site will be monitored and reviewed if problems occur in future.”

Planning permission “not required”

Some residents felt that they had not been given the opportunity to provide feedback on the plans for the benches. 

A spokesperson for Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “CCBC councillors and town councillors were informed of the proposals and plans were shared at a stakeholder meeting. Planning permission for the scheme was not required.”

At the meeting, Ms Hillier-Raikes also said the development was “nothing major” – just “grass cutting and a couple of benches.”

One resident suggested that houses and businesses in the area could have been contacted or spoken to directly to give feedback on the plans. 

Residents also wanted assurances that something would be done if there were problems in the area – CCTV or even the removal of the benches. 

While Ms Hillier-Raikes said that she couldn’t promise CCTV, she added that it could be possible “if need be”. 

She also said: “If it creates antisocial behaviour issues we will remove them.”