Radyr Way has become what the police refer to as a “hot spot” for alcohol related anti-social behaviour. Even Rhodri Morgan is aware of our problems and wrote a very supportive letter to Cardiff Council Licensing & Strategic Services in support of local residents objection to Somerfield’s application to sell alcohol.

You may have noticed that the incidents of anti-social behaviour almost stopped recently during the months that the old Texaco petrol station was closed for conversion into the new Somerfield store. 

You may also have noticed that as soon as the new Somerfield store opened (in mid February 2008), the problems started to occur again, yet this time things seemed to be worse. Update - things are worse.

In fact, due to Somerfield advertising the sale of alcohol together with a £10 off coupon to 1000’s of homes in the area, and advertised “Cold Beer” at the petrol station before any licensing decision was made, drunken youths caused problems on the weekend before the store opened fully. They were overheard by a resident discussing that they were angry that they had “come all this way” to find no alcohol to “acquire”. Later that evening calls to 101 and finally a call to 999 had to be made to address a serious incident.

Having a local store open until 5am allows youths to refuel on hot food and hot drinks (often at end of trading greatly reduced prices), and to then loiter in our pathways, gardens and parks throughout the night. What then follows is at best a lot of shouting and dropping of litter, but usually escalates to bottle throwing, to property damage, setting fire to anything flammable and sometimes vicious assault. Incidents of anti-social behaviour in our area appear to be at an all time high since the petrol station opened.

Important: It is very important that every single incident of vandalism, antisocial behaviour, etc., is reported to the 101 phone line, and reports of any serious crime to 999. 

For example, if you can’t sleep because of drunken youths outside your house, phone 101. If you see your car or property being vandalised call 999. This is vital even if you have lost your faith in the system.

All calls are logged and we may need these logs as evidence. Please make a note of your call (time, date, details) and make sure you get a reference number to write down. If you have reported an incident and you wish to make us aware so that we are able to make our own records please your neighbour hood watch contact. 

It is vital that all problems are logged so that we can show evidence of any problems.

Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.
There will soon be an active neighbourhood watch scheme in our area. Local contact is Simon Mathews on 20551883.