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The public toilets at Blackwood Bus Station may not be reopening after they were vandalised – the latest in a spate of criminal damage to happen there.

The toilets were closed by Caerphilly County Borough Council in April 2019, but were reopened later that year by the Caerphilly County Borough Taxi Drivers’ Association.

This followed a £8,900 grant from Blackwood Town Council to pay for a barrier to charge people 50p to use the toilets – with all income going on the maintenance and cleaning of the public loos.

However the barrier was damaged over the weekend of April 23 and 24 – with the cost of repairing or replacing it between £4,000 and £9,000.

During the same weekend, extensive damage was also caused to the windows and doors at the building’s entrance – with that repair bill estimated to be £2,000.

The Chairman of Caerphilly County Borough Taxi Drivers’ Association, George Edwards, said he was “worn down” by the constant antisocial behaviour and criminal damage at the station.

He admitted the toilets would remain closed for the foreseeable future as the association doesn’t have the money to fix the barrier.

He said: “I don’t know a way forward – I really don’t. There is nothing more I can do.”

Police have said two boys, a 13-year-old and a 12-year-old were arrested in connection with the criminal damage at the station.

As well as the criminal damage, there have been reports of groups playing loud music and fighting there.

Councillors ask police to “step-up”

Blackwood’s Independent councillors want more to be done to curb antisocial behaviour at the bus station.

Cllr Nigel Dix said: “Residents have contacted myself, Cllr Kevin Etheridge and Cllr Andrew Farina-Childs about the vandalism at Blackwood Bus Station.

“These attacks on public property are becoming regular and cost a fortune in repairs.

“I have asked the police to step up, and ensure that this mindless vandalism is stopped.”

Cllr Etheridge, who along with his two ward colleagues is standing for re-election, has questioned whether or not a permanent dispersal order could be placed on the station to deter youngsters from gathering there.

He’s also called for the police to head into local schools to talk to pupils about what is happening at the station.

What are the police doing?

Inspector Andrew Boucher, who has responsibility for Blackwood, said the two boys arrested had been referred to Caerphilly’s Youth Offending Service.

He described the behaviour at Blackwood Bus Station as “mindless” and said it would not be tolerated by Gwent Police.

He said: “Antisocial behaviour negatively impacts upon the quality of life for residents, and it’s unacceptable for members of the public to act in a way that not only frightens these residents, but affects those working in the area. 

“Over recent months, we’ve run dedicated operations to tackle the issue, carrying out patrols and enforcing dispersal orders in affected areas.

“Despite a recent increase in reports over the Easter break, we’ve seen a reduction in antisocial behaviour reports this year and will continue to work hard to tackle the issue. 

“We’ve worked with local schools to talk to parents about the extent of the antisocial behaviour and spoken to them and young people about the impact their behaviour can have on their town and neighbours. 

“We have also recently set up an initiative in Blackwood aiming to reduce antisocial behaviour.

“Town Safe enables businesses and retailers to report incidents and share information around crime prevention. 

“High-visibility patrols will continue in the area to provide reassurance.”