Gatherings raise fears over litter and safety
A COUNCILLOR has told how gangs of young people continue to gather to drink and take drugs at beauty spots in Merthyr Tydfil.
Councillor Lisa Mytton, of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, has expressed her concerns for the safety of young people who continue to be seen breaking social distancing guidelines in the Cefn area.
The councillor expressed her concerns after young people gathered over recent days, but she said it has been a problem for a while.
It’s not a situation that’s believed to be a result of lockdown.
Councillor Mytton said: “It’s been since the weather has got better really.
“It’s a problem most summers, but we have seen things worsen over the past few weeks.
“Cefn seems to be a hot spot for parents dropping their children off.”
Coun Mytton said there are three beauty spots in the area including Taf Fechan Nature Reserve and Teddington’s Field.
She explained there are houses nearby that people have to pass to access the area and even though some people have been polite, others haven’t been so friendly and have been seen urinating in the streets.
A lot of rubbish is also claimed to have been left behind by youngsters.
Within the last few days Coun Mytton worked with residents to litterpick 10 bags of rubbish following recent incidents.
“On the whole the behaviour is ok and acceptable and we understand these young people need to do something, although they are breaking the lockdown two-metre social distancing rule,” she said.
“That is really what is upsetting the residents. It’s encouraging them to be responsible.
“It’s the litter they leave behind, the amount of drinking is getting out of hand and I have found numerous examples of drug paraphernalia.
“It’s just unfair we have to see and pick up the rubbish.
“We just ask them to be careful and respectful.”
Coun Mytton said, for them, the main cause of concern is the safety of the young people who are gathering at the spots.
For her, and many of the residents, she said they just want people to be safe.
Coun Mytton added: “We just want them to be careful.
“I have found two needles. I have found a lot of laughing gas canisters.
“I have found bags with some residue in them. It’s so worrying.
“They’re so young – you’re talking 10, 11, 12 all the way through to adults.
“More than anything else we are worried about their safety.”
South Wales Police were contacted for a comment in relation to the issue, but had not replied as we went to press.