BLAENAVON’S councillors have said they believe there are two distinct reasons why anti-social behaviour is currently rife in the town.

They say that young motorists speeding and groups loitering in car parks are the primary concerns.

It follows recent figures released by Gwent Police which shows the town had the highest number of ASBOs issued in any classified Torfaen ward from the end of May until the end of June, with a total of 27.

Councillor Alan Jones, the mayor of Blaenavon, said: “We have had quite a few issues with anti-social behaviour and there are two clear separate problems which are of concern.

“We have an ongoing problem of young motorists speeding through the main roads and we have groups loitering in car parks at the top of the town.”

In comparison to Blaenavon, the ward of Abersychan, in Pontypool, saw 12 ASBOs issued over the same period.

Panteg, just south of Pontypool, was the second highest with 22.

Fellow councillor Alun Furzer said it had been a long-standing issue locally.

“It doesn’t seem to be any worse now than it was but it is always something to look at as it’s hard to manage," he added.

“These people congregate and the police move them along but they just congregate somewhere else. Anti-social behaviour is always and has always been the first thing talked about in any of our bi-monthly meetings with the inspector.”

To aid the situation in Blaenavon, Gwent Police has upgraded the CCTV in the town and got it in full working order.

Anti-vandal paint has also been used in some areas, notably on certain points of Broad Street, around Bethlehem Court and Market Street.

Cllr Jones praised their efforts. "The inspector is always helpful and PCSOs do a lot of patrolling in the area especially in the early morning and in the evening," he said.

"I think the problem is sometimes a bit more deep rooted as it’s harder for schools and youth clubs to instil respect like they once would.”

A Gwent Police spokesman said: “The youth service and youth club facilities in Blaenavon are on board with anti-social behaviour prevention and are sharing information regarding the identification of individuals.

“Youths attending the nearby Abersychan Comprehensive School will form part of a pupil discipline panel which is also being developed.”