Residents urged to report drinkers

LOCAL councillors in Bridgend are urging residents to contact the police over anti-social drinking issues as soon as they become aware of them to ensure officers have “live information” which they can act on straight away.

Residents say young people drinking on green spaces and parks such as the Penybont Primary School interfield has long been a problem with teenagers leaving behind cans and bottles.

On a recent litter pick volunteers found a discarded needle as well.

Ward county councillors Nicole Burnett and Stuart Baldwin said: “We do get regular complaints from residents regarding anti-social behaviour in various parts of the Morfa Ward, including Bridgend town centre.

“Often it is a congregation of young people, drinking alcohol on green spaces and parks.

“This has been happening for many years and is not a new problem and mostly it is harmless, however, things can get out of hand.”

Councillor Burnett added: “We have excellent neighbourhood policing teams, who patrol regular hotspots, but they can’t be everywhere at the same time, so if any residents are concerned then I urge you to phone 101.

“Often a quiet word from an officer can help prevent trouble escalating and the police really need live information, rather than complaints after the event.”

While the Penybont interfield is owned by the school, it is never used by the school children in term time due to the lack of a secure boundary fence.

The school has other playing fields within its grounds which it uses.