IN THE light of police reports of a fall in crime in the Penarth area, the Times this week asked Penarthians how safe they felt in their town.

Rosemary Miller, 72, of Machen Street, said: "By and large, I think Penarth is a safe place to live. I think the vandalism carried out by the younger element is the biggest problem. The seats in Windsor Gardens, for instance, have all been damaged, as have flower beds on Cornswell Road. I can't understand why they have to do it."

Romelyn Berina, 31, a staff nurse, of Machen Street, said: "I have only been living in Penarth for about 18 months. I come from the Philippines and I have to say I feel very safe here indeed. At home you wouldn't walk around using a mobile phone in the street, or with a handbag hanging over your shoulder. You'd risk having them snatched off you."

Alan Collar, 69, of Victoria Terrace, said: "We moved to Penarth from Newport about six months ago. We think it's a really nice town and are very happy here. I'd say I feel much safer here than in Newport."

Estelle Thistleton, of Bridgeman Road, said: "I think Penarth is a safe place, and a great place to bring up children. One of the best things about it for me is the mix of people you find here. There's a healthy mix of age groups and social backgrounds. I can't say I've noticed a vast improvement in recent months. I've always felt safe here."

Gene Stamate, 48, of Castle Street in Dinas Powys, said: "I can't say I've ever felt unsafe. Kids do cause some problems. I can understand that older people might be intimidated by them. I think the introduction of CCTV at the shops in Dinas has helped to cut down on crime."

Vanessa Coates, 28, of King Street, said: "I think Penarth is a really nice place to live. We have not experienced any problems here. We moved here from Roath in Cardiff and have noticed a big difference."