WAR veterans have spoken of their disgust at reports of anti-social behaviour, drug use and littering taking place at Barry cenotaph.

Royal British Legion Barry branch (RBL) and Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) members have spoken of their despair at what they say is a lack of respect being shown to the Gladstone Road memorial and what it stands for.

The cenotaph, a tribute to Barry men who died fighting for their country during both world wars, has reportedly become a hot spot for youths to gather.

Veterans have claimed to have found drugs paraphernalia, empty drinks cans and other litter at the site. Witnesses have also claimed that young people are sitting on the memorial itself.

RBL member Taf Goodwin said: “As a proud veteran I am absolutely disgusted to see the neglect, total disregard and lack of respect at the town's cenotaph.

"I come here to remember fallen comrades and those since 1914 who made the supreme sacrifice.

"To see the area with weeds, uncut grass, drugs paraphernalia, drinks bottles, and litter scattered on and around this symbol of their sacrifice is heart-breaking.

"We have complained before, but something really must be done now. What must visitors to the town think of us?”

Fellow RBL member Teresa Goodwin added: “We pride ourselves in having a growing number of people joining the Remembrance parade every year, from small children to veterans, some in their 90s.

"Sadly though we probably have the worst kept cenotaph in the area. We are just asking for basic respect and enforcement of standards of tidiness and general upkeep.”

A RAFA spokesman said: “It is awful to think that these idiots have let it get to this state. These people have no regard to what their great-grandparents went through to give them freedom like this.”

Police in Barry confirmed that they were aware of anti-social behaviour issues at the cenotaph and said the force would be seeking to increase patrols in the area.

Sergeant Bryn Glennie said: "To reassure public concerns we have implemented a patrol strategy to increase visibility, deter offences and identify any individuals involved."

To report incidents, call South Wales Police on the non-emergency number 101.