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Damage to the memorial garden in Deri has prompted calls for CCTV in the area. 

The memorial itself was put up in 2018 thanks to the Darran Valley History Group and is set in a small garden, with plants, trees, benches and a stone path. 

The criminal damage is reported to have happened on February 4.

Cllr David Nicholas, who represents Deri and Groesfaen on Darran Valley Community Council, explained there has been damage to plants and paving stones, some of which have been thrown into the river nearby and are hard to replace. 

Cllr Nicholas said incidents in the area followed a pattern: “It tends to be on youth clubs nights.”

He added: “A camera will shortly be positioned on a post opposite the garden. This will give 24-hour monitored surveillance and this is provided by Caerphilly county borough council.”

The matter has been brought up at several Darran Valley Community Council meetings. 

In the minutes for the meeting on March 16, it is noted that the attending representative of Gwent Police, PCO Widlake, was “aware” of the reported incidents and that extra patrols had been put in place. 

The idea is to Install CCTV to act as a deterrent and to monitor activity in the area. 

Gwent Police confirmed that one report of criminal damage was received on Saturday February 4 at around 5.20pm.

In a statement provided to Caerphilly Observer, Inspector Lysha Thompson said: “We are aware of the damage caused to the Deri Remembrance Garden and our Neighbourhood Community Support Officers continue to patrol the area.

“If you see them on their patrols, please stop and talk to them if you have any concerns or if you have information about the damage caused.

“When it comes to antisocial behaviour, we’re guided not only by information gathered through investigations and patrols but by information the public has provided through their reports.

“We, therefore, continue to encourage people to report this kind of disrespectful behaviour, either by calling 101 or reporting online or through social media.

“Our message is clear, such damage will not be tolerated and for those found responsible we will take robust enforcement action as a clear deterrent to others.”