Woman ‘feared for her safety’ arriving at coach station late at night
ONE woman said she feared for her safety after arriving at the National Express bus station in Sophia Gardens in Cardiff late at night. After writing about her experience on social media, others agreed that they also feel unsafe at the station, especially during the darker hours.
Lorraine Coombs, 73, arrived back at the coach station in Cardiff at around 9pm on Wednesday, May 1, after her holiday. She was originally supposed to return home earlier in the afternoon but due to delays she was dropped off later in the evening, in the dark.
Ms Coombs said she felt “vulnerable” on her own at the bus station, located next to Bute Park, claiming the only place that was lit up was the rain shelter.
She said: “I felt vulnerable because I couldn’t see outside, as it was so dark, but I was able to be seen standing alone.”
Not only was she nervous for her safety under the bus shelter, but Ms Coombs says she was also disappointed in the state of the shelter.
The shelter was leaking with water pooled on the ground, she claimed.
Cardiff Council said measures have been put in place to improve security and street lighting in the area, while discussions to add further CCTV and signage are underway.
Ms Coombs said: “The rain shelter was diabolical. It is an absolute disgrace, that we have to wait in a shelter not fit for purpose.”
As a 73-year-old lone woman she added she was scared that had something happened to her there was no help nearby, claiming there were no security guards on duty or any other member of staff.
She said: “I felt scared and worried that someone could attack or rob me, quite easily, and get away with it. There was no security from what I could see, whatsoever.”
Writing about her experience online, Ms Coombs received comments from others agreeing that they too feel unsafe using the coach station during the night or when it is dark. One person wrote: “Arriving back to [Sophia Gardens] around 9pm winter time, it was pitch black, no-one to be seen, it was awfully scary. Hardly any lighting, no security and no shops. Literally in the middle of a dark car park – it’s terrible!”
Others suggested that the coach station should be moved from Sophia Gardens, one wrote: “They should move the coaches from there. It’s not safe at all.”
Another remarked: “I agree Lorraine completely, terrible planning and disregard for female safety for evening and night time arrivals.”
The coach station in Sophia Gardens is owned and run by Cardiff Council.
A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: “Measures have been put in place at the National Express coach station to improve security and street lighting in this area.
“CCTV has been installed in both the coach station and the car park, extra lights have been installed in the coach bays, a coach shelter has been built, as well as a footpath linking the coach bays to the National Express offices.
“All the lighting and CCTV is checked regularly, and any repairs are carried out to ensure they remain in good working order.”
“Discussions are underway with National Express to add further CCTV in the coach station and the council will be installing additional signs along the route, to make it easier for people to walk from the coach station to Pontcanna and the city centre.”