A MEETING has taken place between Gwent Police and residents of St Julians to discuss ways of tackling “excessive” forms of anti-social behaviour.

Some residents of The Old Barn estate, in St Julians, Newport, claim there has been a “surge” in anti-social behaviour in recent weeks.

Michael Enea, a resident in the area who helped to arrange the meeting, said the level of anti-social behaviour is currently “unacceptable”.

He said: “It’s now the summer so we have seen an increase in anti-social behaviour.

“It varies from speeders driving up the middle of the path way and pavements to youths shouting abuse. We decided to arrange a meeting last Wednesday with police because the situation needs to be sorted.”

He added: “The meeting went well and we were told that residents need to report any incident by calling 101 and they need to get as much of a description of the person as possible. We were also told that we may be given speed guns.

“These things will allow us to clamp down on anti-social behaviour.”

Another resident of The Old Barn, Marie Jermyn, said people feel “intimidated” by the speeders and gangs congregating in the area.

“They tend to go near the shops,” said Miss Jermyn. “There can some times be around 25 people there. Some people have been threatened and we also get a lot of racers here.

“I’ll follow the police’s advice and dial 101 straight away with a description of the suspect.”

Resident Claire Barnes added: “I said that the current excessive crime level must stop. You can’t have people driving at ridiculous speeds. I almost got knocked down once and got spat at.

“I was told we will get speed guns and more police patrols - that’s great news.”

Inspector Sarah Davies from Gwent Police said that officers attended a “very positive meeting”.

Inspector Davies said: “We are looking into the possibility of introducing a community speed watch. This is a fantastic initiative where local residents are involved. Speeding is regularly raised as a concern by residents and the additional presence of community speed watch volunteers at the roadside can have a positive effect.”