BLACKWOOD residents say their lives have been transformed since the High Street was shut-down to car cruisers one month ago.

For many people in the town, Thursday nights meant the High Street was a no-go area due to hundreds of people descending on the street for the weekly car cruise.

But a decision by Caerphilly Council means that since September 17, the street is now closed off every Thursday night between the junctions with Bridge Street and the access road for Cwrt Glanhowy.

Buses, taxis, residents, emergency services and people working within the area are allowed through.

Sophie Silcox, 72, of High Street said: “It was awful before with cars constantly beeping and headlights flashing but the police are doing a fantastic job and it is so much better now. It is like heaven.”

Another resident said: “It was horrendous before but this has made it so much more peaceful. We are much happier.”

Since the closure, police said they have received no complaints about anti-social driving or car cruising on Thursdays when previously they were getting up to 20 complaints each week.

They also said they have seen no increase in cars coming on any other night of the week or any reports of cruisers gathering elsewhere.

Blackwood Inspector Kevin Childs said: "Despite the recent reductions in the numbers gathering, it’s important that the road closure stays in place for the duration of the experimental order to ensure that the large numbers of car cruisers do not return."

There is some concern though that closing off the street will affect trade.

Albert Wilson, 63 of Bloomfield Road, said: “If the street is closed off on other nights too I think this will kill the High Street as no-one will see what the area has to offer.”

Blackwood councillor, Keith Smallman said: “I am pleased with the effect the closure has had for residents. There have been a few concerns about trade in the area but we are meeting up with some traders soon to discuss this.”

The road closure will continue for the next 18 months.