Vandals must be tackled (From Penarth Times)

Vandals must be tackled

SULLY residents are calling for more security in response to increased youth disturbance in the area.

And concerns are escalating in the face of a recent spate of crime that has dismayed councillors.

Chairman of Sully Community Council, Malcolm Davies told us: "In the past few weeks a shed which is used to store toys and equipment for functions in the Jubilee Hall has been completely demolished and stones have been thrown at vehicles with the owner of one being physically attacked."

This is not a new problem for the area as there have been regular disturbances for many years - but the concerns are escalating.

Clerk of the council Brian Daniel said: "There has been more trouble in the past weeks.

"On one occasion there were upwards of a 100 youths from outside the area causing annoyance.

"It is a real problem for the area because the police cannot provide enough officers for Sully.

"They are aware of the fractious nature of the youths.

"There has been the destruction of a hut and the irrigation of the bowling green needs to be repaired."

Penarth Police Sergeant Roger Davies told us: "There is a problem with youth annoyance in the Sully area.

"The majority are well behaved - it is just a few who damage property.

"Some youths do take drugs and drink alcohol while congregating in the area."

Sully Community Councillor Ian Barlow said: "We do not have enough police available for our area. There are four policemen for the Penarth, Llandough and Sully areas, which is a grave concern for all the community.

"When a hut was set alight near Jubilee Hall it was pure luck that other buildings did not catch light.

"The situation is very difficult to control because we do not have a very big budget to keep paying for repairs."

In conclusion Mr Davies said: "All this has, and is, costing the council many hundreds of pounds to put right and there seems to be no let up on the persistent and regular damage being done."