The lives of residents at Duffryn Flats in Caerau, Maesteg have improved dramatically thanks to building work organised by South Wales Police and Valleys to Coast Housing.
Residents were forced to call the police on a regular basis as large groups of young people aged 15 – 25 were smoking, drinking alcohol, starting small fires and playing loud music in an L-shaped sheltered walkway that ran underneath the Duffryn Flats building.
In a bid to stop the antisocial behaviour in the area, PCSO Rachael Bargery and PCSO Karl Smith of the Caerau Neighbourhood Policing Team organised a petition for local residents to sign, and then worked with Pc Gwyn Batten, Crime reduction Officer, Valleys to Coast Housing to build walls either end of the alley to prevent groups of youths disturbing the peace.
In the final building plan, it was agreed that a wall would be built one end and a garage door on the other, so that the space could be put to good use as a council storage facility.
PCSO Rachael Bargery said: “The layout of the building made it an ideal hiding place for youth annoyance, but this was seriously affecting the wellbeing of those who live in the flats. South Wales Police will not tolerate anti-social behaviour, and the building work to block the alley has meant residents are much happier now.”
Mr Ian Williams, a resident of Duffryn Flats said: “Things have improved drastically around here since the wall and garage door were put up. The police were marvellous and worked hard to make sure something was done.”
Christian Hodgson of Valleys to Coast Housing said: “We are really pleased that the new wall and garage door has helped to improve the quality of life for residents at Duffryn Flats.”