COMMUNITY action and ‘boots on the ground’ is helping to cut anti-social behaviour and crime and restore pride in a Cwmbran ward, say Gwent Police and a Torfaen councillor.

Greenmeadow has historically struggled with high rates of anti-social behaviour and crime, with reported incidents to the police showing an increase from 12 months previously.

In 2015, between January and March, 34 incidents of anti-social behaviour and 43 occurrences of crime were reported to the police.

This year, over the same three-month period, the police received reports of 89 incidents of anti-social behaviour – an increase of 55 – and 81 occurrences of crime – a rise of 38.

Despite the rise, the police, as well as Mandy Owen, one of the ward councillors for Greenmeadow, believe that the situation is improving.

Inspector David Morgan said: “There are a small number of people in the Greenmeadow area who continue to cause a great deal misery for others living locally.

“The incidents reported are often completely mindless criminal acts, which can be very distressing for the victims involved.

“A number of arrests have been made and these individuals are currently on police bail pending further enquiries,” he added.

The police have worked alongside Torfaen council, Cwmbran Community Council and Bron Afon as well as community organisations, including the group created by David McCarthy and Randomz, to help restore pride to the ward.

Cllr Owen said: “It is incredibly important to see that the police are begin to get a grip on the issues in the ward. There was a noticeable rise in crime and anti-social behaviour in Greenmeadow involving a number of youths from the area ranging from vandalism to burglaries.

“One of the things which residents wanted to see was more boots on the ground and it is great to see the police’s presence in the area. That has quietened down a number of the incidents.

Cllr Owen praised the work that community groups were doing in the area to help address the issues facing Greenmeadow.

She said: “In my experience of community groups, people are keen to support them providing there is an issue which affects them but as soon as that has gone, they no longer attend the meetings.

“However, taking David’s group for example, he has managed to get a number of the community onside with him. His group has a committee which means it is eligible for funding.

“There is still work to be done though. As we have seen in the past the issues have not gone away,” added cllr Owen.