Vandals put Llandudno retailers in fear

Jun 17 2010 by Rayyan Parry, North Wales Weekly News

VANDALS are putting business owners in fear after bringing down the look of their area.

Graffiti and smashed bottles have appeared in a disused area on Llandudno’s busy Trinity Square. The eyesores are putting business owners in fear of passing by the area, which acts as a shortcut from work.

Manageress of the Habit Tea Rooms on Mostyn street Brenda Roberts said: “There’s always youths hanging out there drinking. There’s glass everywhere and it stinks of urine. It should be gated.”

Owner of Aberconwy Mind in Trinity Square said their patients have been verbally abused by youths hanging around in the area.

“Our people are afraid to go out when the youths are there,” said manager Finola Stevenson.

Now the graffiti will be removed with help from the police, town councillors and the probation service.

Town councillor Garry Burchett, who will help to clean up the mess, said: “I think it’s a sad indictment of the age we live in that people find it necessary to tag or mark the areas we live in.

“It’s important we maintain a good image as a town, but it’s important to allow youth to express themselves.

“There should be more activities for youths. We definitely need an indoor area, especially for the teenagers.”

PCSO Sarah Curry said: “I’ve gone to have a look. Business owners are worried to get to their car around the corner. They feel scared and intimidated. I’ve given them safety alarms.

“It looks a mess. It’s not a place where kids should be hanging out. There’s graffiti, there’s smashed bottles, they’re burning pieces of wood. We’re working to get it sorted. I’m trying to get some temporary CCTV installed.”

The police officer, councillors and probation officers will clean the area today (Thursday).