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A supermarket in Bargoed has introduced measures to combat antisocial behaviour in the area. 

Morrisons has installed the CCTV at its Bargoed Gateway store after experiencing ongoing problems, including in the underground car park. 

These issues were discussed in a Bargoed Town Council meeting on October 18, where Cllr Tich Williams said the problem “isn’t going away.” 

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

CCTV was installed in the area on November 17. 

There are also additional plans to close the barrier of the car park. However, as of December 1 these had not yet been implemented. 

Caerphilly Observer understands that repairs need to be made before the barrier is operational at night. 

Caerphilly’s Labour MS, Hefin David, worked with Morrisons’ head office to seek a resolution to the ongoing problems.

He said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to agree on a new parking eye initiative at Morrisons.

“We are also aware that the open access to the underground level of the car park has been a problem historically, which has seen large numbers of cars and groups gathering and causing concern and disturbance to local residents.

“There have been concerns for staff safety in the past. However, we hope that an increased police presence and closing the barrier at night will now deter those groups looking to gather and bring residents some reassurance”.

Antisocial behaviour “should not be tolerated”

Caerphilly’s Labour MP Wayne David said: “I am pleased to hear that Morrisons, jointly with Gwent Police, are serious about tackling antisocial behaviour in their store car park in Bargoed. 

“Implementing restrictions on car park usage during the night, using a comprehensive CCTV system, will I’m sure go some way to addressing the concerns of residents.”

He continued: “I will continue to monitor the situation and will meet with Morrisons, Gwent Police and other elected representatives, including Hefin David MS, following the introduction of these measures to assess their impact.

“Antisocial behaviour affecting Morrisons’ staff and local residents, whilst stretching police resources, should not be tolerated”.

Cllr Dawn Ingram-Jones, who represents the Aberbargoed and Bargoed ward on Caerphilly County Borough Council, met with Hefin David and Wayne David, as well as Gwent Police’s Inspector Lysha Thompson to discuss the issues.

She said: “We agreed on measures to tackle the antisocial behaviour in the car park which has been an ongoing issue for many years. I look forward to seeing a huge improvement soon”.

CCTV installed after discussions for “some time”

Inspector Lysha Thompson from Gwent Police said: “We have held discussions with the landowner for some time on how we can work together to deter incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) at the Morrisons car park in Bargoed.

“The installation of a new CCTV camera system, which records the licence plate of cars, or other types of vehicle, that enter the car park, and the barrier will hopefully assist in deterring those who wish to take part in this activity.

“Reports of ASB in the area will be monitored by officers.

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

Caerphilly Observer has contacted Gwent Police and Morrisons for comment.

This article was updated on December 6 to include a comment from Gwent Police.