Your Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council expresses deep concern over recent incidents of anti-social behaviour, particularly in areas maintained by the Town Council. A recent meeting of its Services Committee heard the council is also aware of instances of vandalism, including at public facilities such as the public toilets and St Mary’s Church.
At the meeting, Councillor Margaret Lewington brought attention to a recent incident reported by a resident. The resident detailed an unsettling encounter at St Mary’s Church, where an individual was found sitting on her family’s gravestone. Despite requests to move, the person not only refused but also engaged in offensive behaviour, including verbal abuse, spitting, and vaping. The resident was left distressed and upset by the incident.
Cllr Margaret emphasised the growing perception by some that St Mary’s Church is being misused and stressed the urgency to try to address and halt such behaviours.
Your Town Council recognises the importance of safeguarding these sites and providing public facilities and is calling on residents to be vigilant so that increased community awareness and engagement might contribute to a safer and more secure environment for everyone.
While those engaging in anti-social behaviour constitute a small minority, the impact of their actions reverberates throughout the entire community.
Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council urges residents to report any suspicious activities and collaborate in creating a community that prioritises the well-being and security of its people and their shared spaces. If members of the public think a crime is being or has been committed, they are urged to report it to the police. By reporting incidents to the appropriate authorities, residents contribute to the collective effort to maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone. Both the Town Council and the Police will utilise available resources, including CCTV, to investigate reported incidents.