“Robust” approach to anti-social behaviour so Rhymney residents have “better quality of life”

In the past month, Rhymney has seen a spate of antisocial behaviour with three dispersal orders issued by police and eight people arrested.

Rhymney Library – which is undergoing a £400,000 refurbishment – was also damaged, prompting the council to announce it would not reopen until the issues stopped.

It has been described by other media as a place overrun with antisocial behaviour. Despite the negative headlines, there are efforts being made by the community to improve things.

The Labour councillor for the Twyn Carno ward, Carl Cuss, told Caerphilly Observer about the plans and said: “Following a local meeting with residents directly impacted by the issues, we are working on the concerns raised with us and we are keen to feedback to residents shortly via letter and a meeting.

“We will look at holding more police surgeries locally to the High Street to give residents the opportunity to call-in and speak to local officers.

“I would like to reassure residents we are working collaboratively to tackle the issues being presented to us, however, during this time, please continue to engage with us and report issues to the relevant organisation.

“We are determined to work with you to make our communities safe.”

Using the area in a ‘positive way’

Certain activities, like skateboarding sessions run by Skateboard Academy, bring opportunities for children in the area to try something different while also acting as a deterrent.

Founder and instructor Sam Horler regularly runs sessions across Caerphilly County Borough and ran a free session in Rhymney skatepark on August 30 thanks to funding from Rhymney Community Council.

Sam said: “During my sessions, we’re supervising the area and we’re using the area in a positive way.”

He continued: “It sanitises the area,” adding that it could act as a deterrent to people or groups who may otherwise use the skatepark in a negative way.

Talking about the reason his sessions are funded in places like Rhymney, Sam said: “What they want is engagement. They want something to be up there in these spaces.

“Someone who is positive and is responsible, you know, not going to be swearing and smashing bottles which obviously does happen in areas like this.”

He continued: “They want someone up there to invest in the kids. I’m a positive, encouraging person. There are lots of children who don’t have that person in their lives.”

“Complex” issues and “robust” approach

Gwent Police has also promised a more “robust” approach should antisocial behaviour persist in Rhymney – something championed by Gerald Jones, the MP for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney,

Mr Jones said: “Rhymney residents have suffered for too long with antisocial behaviour. A robust multi-agency approach is needed to resolve issues so that residents can enjoy a better quality of life. 

“I have been assured that Gwent Police are taking a robust line against the perpetrators of antisocial behaviour in the area, and are working with Caerphilly Council’s Community Safety team to improve things. 

“Local councillors have also taken a lead in working through some of the issues under the council’s responsibility that are impacting on residents.  This includes issues such as noise nuisance and alcohol sales to underage persons.”

Mr Jones continued: “Some of these issues can be complex, but by working together agencies can find solutions that will improve the quality of life for residents. 

“I would encourage any resident with concerns to contact their councillors, MS or myself if they feel they are not getting a reasonable response.”

In a statement, Inspector Lysha Thompson of Gwent Police said: “My officers work closely with partners to address these issues and urge parents, carers and guardians to speak to their children and advise them that their behaviour not only has a detrimental impact on the community they belong to but also that their futures could ultimately be affected by any criminal convictions as a result of ASB.”

Inspector Thompson continued: “As part of our recent operations in Rhymney, five people were arrested and referred to the Youth Offending Service in Caerphilly.

“We’ve also engaged with 16 young people as part of the ASB Strike process.

“This process allows us to show that we’re involved in tackling these issues by engaging with those involved but we can also provide support and prove to the necessary agencies that we have made an intervention to curb the antisocial behaviour.

“It also means that should the behaviour persist then a more robust approach will be taken.

“I’d like to thank the residents of our communities for their cooperation and their continued support in reporting matters of antisocial behaviour to us.”