Traders and shoppers in Pontypool and Cwmbran are facing heightened anxiety as a result of increasing incidents of antisocial behaviour in the area. Concerns over crime levels were raised during a Torfaen council meeting, where it was revealed that 30 windows were smashed in Cwmbran shopping centre in a single night in February. A landlord who owns shop premises in Pontypool’s Osborne Road voiced the struggles faced by the local businesses. Expressing frustration, the landlord noted that the businesses are dealing with rising anxiety among staff and increased expenses due to raised insurance premiums. This situation not only impacts the traders but also leaves shoppers feeling less safe and worried about the businesses they frequent.
Instances of antisocial behaviour have been on the rise in Pontypool and Cwmbran, making the towns less safe, particularly during evenings and nights. The landlord of the Osborne Road unit, which previously housed a pet grooming business, highlighted the installation of a steel roller shutter without planning permission. The decision to fit the shutter came after an attempted burglary in 2019 and a window smashing incident in 2023. Following a burglary in May 2024, the pet groomers decided to relocate due to the persistent safety concerns. While the landlord claimed ignorance about the shutter installation, he argued for its retention citing the prevalent crime problems in the area.
Last July, reports emerged about locals in Pontypool feeling unsafe due to the presence of violent individuals, further exacerbating the security concerns in the region. The application for retrospective planning permission to keep the shutters intact emphasized the need for enhanced security measures following the burglary incident in May 2024. The landlord’s representative highlighted that the shutter would only be used during non-trading hours to secure the premises. Despite the property dating back to around 1880, with a ground-floor retail unit and a first-floor flat, concerns have been raised regarding the use of roller shutters in the area as per Torfaen’s planning guidelines.
In a recent incident, a 38-year-old man was arrested in connection with the vandalism at Cwmbran shopping centre, which occurred in the early hours of February 10. The wave of antisocial behaviour and criminal activities in the region has prompted authorities to take action to address the safety concerns of both traders and shoppers. The ongoing discussions within the council’s planning department regarding the application to retain the roller shutters are crucial in balancing security needs with urban planning regulations.
The local community members are left feeling vulnerable and apprehensive due to the escalating crime levels, with traders bearing the financial burden of securing their businesses against potential threats. As stakeholders continue to engage in dialogue and seek solutions to improve safety in Pontypool and Cwmbran, the need for comprehensive measures to address antisocial behaviour remains paramount. With the support of local authorities and collective efforts from all stakeholders, it is hoped that the concerns raised by traders and shoppers will be effectively addressed to create a safer and more secure environment for all in the community.