Youths bring fear to residents near ‘no-go’ park area

The homeowners spoke out following a previous Barry & District News report in which a resident nearby described Gladstone Gardens as “like The Bronx”.

Blind Park sees youth gather daily, even on Christmas Day, say residents, with ambulances and paramedics called to the area on a number of occasions over the years.

A resident, who did not want to be identified, said: “We have been aware of it, but didn’t want any repercussions.”

The resident said youths begin appearing around 2pm with numbers escalating through the evening.

They leave trails of litter, drugs, vodka bottles, cans, needles, and cause damage, it was added.. “The police presence is nil,” the resident said. “Somebody is going to get seriously hurt. One incident involved a youth stripping bark from a tree.“He politely told me to ‘F off ‘ when I questioned him. Somebody is going to die in that park.”

A South Wales Police spokeswoman said officers were aware of anti-social behaviour incidents in recent months in the Gladstone Park and Blind Park areas and targeted high visibility patrols were regularly conducted in the area to prevent such behaviour and reassure the community.

Barry inspector Paul Tinkler added: “Tackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority for us and I would like those involved in such activity to know there is no place for it in Barry. This kind of behaviour can be intimidating for local residents – especially the elderly and vulnerable. This issue is one of the key priorities for my neighbourhood policing team.

“We have increased our patrols in order to address the community’s concerns and we will take action against those involved in this type of behaviour including issuing anti-social behaviour referrals. Both parks are alcohol free zones, covered under the public space protection order, and anyone found drinking alcohol will have their drink confiscated and be instructed to leave the area.”

He urged residents to call 101 to report concerns.