Mayor welcomes constructive meeting with police over anti-social behaviour

 

* Mayor Damon Richards-Gwilliam with Inspector Joseph Dunn, Area Inspector - Conwy & Denbighshire Rural.

Senior officers are keen to work with partners to improve the way Llangollen is policed. 

That was the key message which came from a recent top-level meeting chaired by the Town Mayor, Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam, which brought together Llangollen town councillors, representatives from Llantysilio Community Council, local county councillor Karen Edwards and Inspector Joseph Dunn and Sergeant Lisa Jones from North Wales Police. 

This followed on-going concerns about anti-social behaviour, particularly over the recent bank holiday weekend. 

Cllr Richards-Gwilliam said: “While policing and parking enforcement do not fall within the Town Council’s formal remit, we have played a leading role in bringing key partners together in response to sustained public concern. 

“The meeting followed the recent open letter I sent out to residents acknowledging these issues and outlining the council’s intention to act as a facilitator for collective action to address them. 

“From the outset it was clear that the police are keen to work collaboratively with the various partners involved to support improvements within the town. I am grateful to Inspector Dunn and Sgt Jones for their time and attention on this matter, and I look forward to working closely with them to build a strong working relationship between the police and the town. 

“The meeting was constructive and forward-looking, with a shared focus on working together more closely and maintaining open dialogue, particularly around how partners can best support the town during peak periods, including times when anti-social behaviour is more prevalent.”

The Mayor added: “A number of key issues were discussed, including anti-social behaviour, police visibility, community engagement, coordination between agencies and ongoing concerns such as off-road biking, illegal parking and speeding. 

“There was also discussion around operational considerations, including how resources are deployed at peak times and the use of existing powers and processes, including dispersal orders. 

“The meeting also highlighted how important it is to report all incidents, whether by phone or online, as this helps ensure the police have an accurate picture of what is happening locally and supports the case for appropriate resources in the town. 

“This represents a positive start and I believe that all parties recognise the importance of continued partnership working and regular communication. Llangollen Town Council is determined to continue working with partners to see these issues addressed and to ensure our town remains a safe and welcoming place for all.” 

Inspector Dunn said: "I was pleased to meet with representatives from the Town Council, Community Council and wider community in what was a positive and constructive meeting focussed on solutions.

"We have listened to the concerns being raised, identified a number of practical actions, and strengthened our commitment to working together as partners. 

"Officers and PCSOs are conducting visible patrols on foot, on bike, and in vehicles throughout the town and wider community at key times, and we are working in partnership with Denbighshire County Council on solutions for concerns raised around parking at the Horseshoe Falls. 

"Community safety is a shared responsibility, and North Wales Police will continue to play its part in ensuring Llangollen remains a safe place to live, work and visit."