A COUNCILLOR has called for action to fix CCTV in Brynmawr following “unacceptable” acts of vandalism.

At around 9.56pm on Friday, February 17, police received reports of bus stop window being smashed in Catholic Road, Brynmawr, leaving glass scattered across the road.

Cllr Wayne Hodgins, of Brynmawr ward, believes the issue is complicated by the town’s CCTV, which is out of use due to Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council’s closure of the Market Hall Cinema over asbestos fears.

The cinema closure, which came into place in November last year, also affects access to the adjacent old library building where the town’s CCTV equipment is housed.

Following the vandal attack, Cllr Hodgins has called for Blaenau Gwent CBC to fix the CCTV.

He said: “The vandalism is appalling and it isn’t the first time this has happened. I feel these types of acts of vandalism are unacceptable in the town.

“While I accept that kids have nothing to do since the leisure centre closed it still doesn’t justify their actions. I would appeal to their better nature and their parents as well, are they aware of what their youngsters are getting up to when they leave home?”

Gwent Police have issued several 48-hour dispersal orders in Brynmawr over the past few months following reports of anti social behaviour in the area.

Cllr Hodgins added: “It’s an issue. The local police have dispersal orders but they move the problem from one location to another.This type of behaviour can’t continue and as a borough councillor I urge the the council to take some immediate action to get the CCTV up and running.”

A spokesman for Blaenau Gwent CBC urged residents to report all incidents to the police.

He said: “CCTV is one of a number of tools to prevent anti-social behaviour and aid crime detection and it is regrettable that vandalism of the sort reported is taking place in the town.

“The council is aware of issues with its CCTV coverage in Brynmawr and is working hard to get the system back up and running as soon as possible.”

If you have any information call Gwent Police on 101 quoting log 621 17/2/17.