BLAENAU Gwent MP Nick Smith has joined Tredegar residents in seeking action against anti-social behaviour in the town.

Tredegar town centre has been plagued by the actions of several motorists who speed along the town's main roads and perform dangerous stunts in the car parks near Bank Lane.

The issue was brought to Mr Smith’s attention by local councillors Tommy Smith and Bernard Willis, who explained that dangerous drivers have also been seen racing in the town centre and some surrounding housing estates.

Mr Smith also received a letter from a constituent describing anti-social behaviour taking place in the town centre – namely the car parks near the shopping centre and Bank Lane.

That constituent wrote of “boy racers” congregating in the car parks “wheel spinning” and “playing loud music, revving engines and generally disturbing the peace” from as early as 7pm and into the early hours.

He said that he had been unsuccessful in getting the police to attend the area and also in his calls for the car park to be locked at night.

After contacting Gwent Police, Mr Smith was told officers would be patrolling the area, and that Tredegar officers were seeking assistance from area support officers to help deal with traffic offences, although this was difficult as the team covers the entire West Gwent area and was only available if not tasked with other incidents.

Speaking about the issue, Mr Smith said: “Youths congregating in cars and using our streets like a race track do not only pose a very serious threat to the lives of safe drivers and pedestrians but can make life a hell for those affected by the noise nuisance that often goes hand in hand with such anti-social behaviour.

“This is a serious issue that needs addressing.

“I was pleased to learn that Gwent Police had identified this problem in Tredegar as a priority concern for residents."

The Argus' Grassroots correspondent for the area also raised the issue of anti-social behaviour – especially related to drugs – in the town, saying that residents were "finding it all very upsetting".

"It is feared the violence and drug problems are permeating into residential areas of Tredegar Town and all they want is to live in peace with security," our correspondent said.

Tredegar Town Council confirmed a representative from Gwent Police had been invited to attend the council's next meeting, at its Bedwellty House headquarters on Wednesday, October 3, to discuss residents' concerns about the perceived rise in anti-social behaviour.

“I have now asked for confirmation that Area Support Officers have been approached and want to know what level of support they have been able to provide and whether this has resulted in any arrests.

“I have also pressed for a more specific response and action to be taken in and around the Bank Lane car park.”