Calls to curb anti-social behaviour outside a previously problematic crisis centre have surfaced once again. Residents living on and around Abergarw Road in Brynmenyn have reportedly been complaining of a "spike" in drunkenness, loitering and littering issues near the crisis centre.
Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) candidate for St Bride's Minor and Ynysawdre, Tim Thomas said he would like to see a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) brought on to the street. He said: "I am sympathetic to the people who require that service. [But], I am not convinced that [the crisis centre] is in the right place there in Brynmenyn."
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The proposed PSPO would mean a ban on alcohol consumption on Abergarw Road if approved. Some residents living near the crisis centre claimed they were frightened of leaving their homes following a number of issues, including an assault on a police officer and anti-social behaviour in February last year.
The use of the building was extended during the Covid-19 pandemic as local authorities across the UK looked to house as many homeless people as possible due to the severity of the crisis. Mr Thomas said incidents of anti-social behaviour in relation to the centre have since decreased after the introduction of CCTV and a security guard.
However, he added: "Recently residents have contacted me about a small spike in low level anti-social behaviour involving alcohol. I have written to South Wales Police and requested that Abergarw Road and some of the surrounding streets be made subject to a PSPO, whereby the consumption of alcohol would be prohibited. This has been followed by a supportive telephone call from a member of South Wales Police indicating that consideration to the PSPO will be made."
The crisis centre, run by The Wallich charity on behalf of BCBC, provides emergency accommodation for the homeless. A spokesperson for The Wallich, which manages the crisis centre alongside BCBC, said: “We are aware of Mr Thomas’ concerns and are in regular contact with him.”
A South Wales Police spokesperson said: "We have not had an increase in the number of calls but anyone who experiences anti-social behaviour or who has concerns should call 101 or contact the local neighbourhood policing team directly. We are committed to working with partners to tackle issues that affect people in the community and any behaviour which intimidates or causes offence to residents will not be tolerated.”
Also running in the St Bride's and Ynysawdre ward in this year's elections are Michele Crackett (Conservatives); Linda Edger (Conservatives); Paula Ford (Labour); Mark Galvin (Labour); Mark John (Independent); Leanne Teahan-Dyer (Independent); Gary Thomas (Labour); and Carley Winter (Conservatives). Candidates for all wards in the upcoming local government elections on May 5 are made public on the BCBC website. Want the latest news from Bridgend County straight to your inbox? Sign up for free here
